Few postseason moments have remained as vivid as the night Kirk Gibson limped to the plate and changed the 1988 World Series. More than three decades later, the bat he carried during that at-bat has become a prized piece of baseball history.
The bat sold for $575,912 through SCP Auctions during its October-November auction. The sale gave collectors a chance to own an object tied to one of the most celebrated moments in Los Angeles Dodgers history.
Gibson’s jersey from Game 1 also attracted interest, selling for $303,277. The batting helmet brought in another $153,388, creating a collection of memorabilia from one October night.
The moment behind those items came on Oct. 15, 1988, when the Dodgers faced the Oakland Athletics at Dodger Stadium. Los Angeles trailed 4-3 and was down to its final out in the bottom of the ninth.
Gibson had been battling injuries to his left hamstring and right knee after the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets. He was not in the starting lineup and was not expected to play.