Former “Two and a Half Men” actor Charlie Sheen has put up for auction his Babe Ruth World Series Ring as well as the contract that made Ruth play for the Yankees.
In a statement to ESPN, Sheen acknowledged that he is in financial distress as he has not been able to find work as of late. He has not had any projects except for some appearances on TV. Sheen added, "I've enjoyed these incredible items for more than two decades and the time has come. Whatever price it brings is gravy."
Sheen has been in trouble after he revealed he is HIV-positive. He has faced a number of lawsuits since he revealed his condition. Women he was with before filed the lawsuits against him thus his financial woes.
Details about Charlie Sheen's memorabilia
The items were sold to the actor in the early 90s, but the amount was not disclosed as the actor claimed he did not remember how much he purchased them for. The memorabilia were displayed in a bar area of his home and he said many admired them so he told them the stories behind the items.
The 1927 World Series ring is now bidding for over $600,000 while the contract that sent Ruth to the New York Yankees from the Red Sox is bidding at more than $400,000. The contract signified the start of the coined “Curse of the Bambino,” which lasted for almost nine decades for the Boston Red Sox. The curse reportedly started after they won the 1918 World Series. The next championship for the baseball team was in 2004.
The contract is the original copy of the sale document and was owned by the New York Yankees owner, Jacob Ruppert. Ruth was sold to the New York Yankees for $100,000 on top of a $300,000 loan.
The $600,000 bid for the Babe Ruth World Series ring is currently the most expensive championship ring ever sold in an auction. For the sale document, it is expected to get higher as the original copy of the contract owned by Boston Red Sox owner Harry Frazee was sold back in 2005 for $996,000.
The auction ends this Friday.
The items are said to be in great condition. They were framed and Sheen said that the condition and presentation of his memorabilia are even better than those at the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Sheen hopes next possessor of memorabilia will enjoy them
The actor hoped that whoever buys the Babe Ruth World Series ring and the sale document will enjoy them as much as he did. He also said that the new owners would hopefully share them with the world since he displayed it in his home for visitors to see.
