Historic Battle Creek Belles jersey part of sports auction in New York

Posted: Apr 19, 2023 / 11:23 AM EDT

Updated: Apr 19, 2023 / 04:28 PM EDT

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (WOOD) — A game-worn jersey from a 1950s female professional baseball league team from Battle Creek is set to hit auction this weekend.

A uniform from the Battle Creek Belles’ 1951-52 seasons is slated to be sold during the Lelands 2023 Spring Classic Auction on Saturday. Bidding for the item started at $1,000 and, as of Wednesday, was more than $5,000. It is expected to draw more than $10,000 at final sale.

The Belles were one of 15 teams to ever play in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during its reign from 1943 to 1954. It was the inspiration behind the film “A League of Their Own.”

“You find this uniform in a league that isn’t as known as Major League Baseball, with Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio, I don’t think that many people thought these uniforms would be worth $10,000 in 2023 because if they did, I’m sure there’d be a lot more,” Jordan Gilroy, the director of acquisitions for Lelands, said.

The jersey up for auction was worn in games in 1951 and 1952, the only seasons the Belles existed, and includes its original patches, felt number and zipper down the side of the skirt. There are still dirt stains in the cream-colored uniform.

Alongside the Belles’ jersey, the weekend auction will also be selling other historic memorabilia, including documents from the famous trade that sent Babe Ruth from the Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees. Some of the other items up for sale are as follows: