Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer.
Historic baseball jersey sold for astronomical price
News from the United States this week reveals that a baseball top once worn by the legendary Babe Ruth, was sold at auction for a staggering US$24.1 million. In the world of sporting memorabilia where rare and significant items sell for serious money, Ruth’s jersey doubles the price for the previous top selling item – a rare 1952 Mickey Mantle baseball card sold in 2022.
This particular jersey was worn by Ruth in one of the most iconic moments in world sport.
“The jersey in question, belonging to the late New York Yankees star, was last auctioned in 2005 for US$940,000. But at the time the item was only linked to the 1932 World Series, and not directly to the famed episode where Ruth pointed his bat to the outfield stands before he hit a home run into center [sic] field off the Chicago Cubs pitcher Charlie Root. The gesture was interpreted as Ruth pointing out where he was going to soon hit the ball.
“‘This is essentially the Mona Lisa. It’s a very mythical moment that crosses over not only in baseball history, but American history, pop culture history,’ said Heritage’s director of sports auctions, Chris Ivy.'” (Source: “Babe Ruth’s ‘called shot’ jersey from 1932 World Series sells for record $24.1m,” by Michael Sainato, 25th August, www.guardian.com).
5 stars – if you’ve got the money, then why not? Some people buy prized paintings, some buy baseball jerseys!
Warring brothers bury the hatchet and reform for concert tour
Proving that money, sorry blood, is thicker than water, the formerly estranged Gallagher brothers, Noel and Liam have just announced that their band, Oasis will reform and undertake a series of dates in the UK next year. Oasis was at the forefront of Brit pop in the ’90s before famously imploding in 2009. Since then the two brothers have sparred publicly and rumours of a reunion have come to nothing.
Oasis could be looking to earn roughly 400 million British pounds from ticket sales and add-ons alone, unless, of course, it all goes to custard and the brothers reignite their feud before, or during the tour.
“Eamonn Forde, the business writer and author, says Oasis have occupied a unique place within British culture. ‘They were ever present in the culture,’ says Forde. ‘You can almost compare them to Abba or the Beatles, there’s always something happening to remind and draw in new listeners. They’ve never monetised that nostalgia on this scale,” he added. “They’ll probably make more money from these gigs than they did in the entire 90s.'” (Source: “Gallaghers could earn more from Oasis reunion than ‘they made in the entire ’90s,'” by Lanre Bakare, 27th August, www.guardian.com).
5 stars – an Oasis reunion is good news indeed for millions of fans around the world. I have no doubt tickets will be gone in a flash.
Hollywood star bangs the drums at Ed Sheeran gig
This is a rather nice story involving one of the world’s top selling recording stars and a popular Australian actor.
“When fans gathered at Romania’s National Arena for Ed Sheeran’s The Mathematics Tour concert this weekend, it’s safe to say they were not expecting a surprise guest – in the form of Chris Hemsworth, that is. As illustrious as his career may be, the Australian actor, 41, had never added “musician” to his list of credentials – until he sat behind the drum kit and bashed out Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud to a crowd of almost 70,000 on Saturday night.
“The Thor star joined Sheeran on stage as part of an upcoming episode for the second season of Limitless with Chris Hemsworth, a National Geographic original series that documents Hemsworth’s exploration of how to live better for longer.” (Source: “Chris Hemsworth shocks 70,000 fans with surprise Ed Sheeran concert appearance,” by Lana Andelane, 26th August, www.nzherald.co.nz)
Hemsworth proves himself no slouch on the kit, keeping up, without losing time once.
