Ruth’s contract sells for $996K

NOTES

The “cursed” 1919 contract that shipped Babe Ruth from Boston to the Bronx sold at auction in New York for a staggering $996,000, delighting its new owner – a die-hard Yankees fan – and a hunger-relief group designated to receive a financial windfall from the sale.

The crowd at Sotheby’s burst into cheers when the final hammer came down after 15 minutes of intense bidding.

The five-page typed contract recorded the unprecedented deal blamed for dooming generations of Red Sox fans to heartbreak as victims of “The Curse of the Bambino.”

Garciaparra to get ring

This weekend, behind closed doors in Chicago, former Boston Red Sox shortstop Nomar Garciaparra will receive a World Series ring when the Red Sox face the Cubs for the first time since the 1918 World Series.

After spending parts of 8 1/2 seasons in Boston, Garciaparra, once one of the most popular Red Sox players, was traded to Chicago last July and missed one of the greatest sports experiences in New England history – a long-awaited World Series title.

But Garciaparra was still scheduled to be recognized for his contributions to the championship, even though he wasn’t around to enjoy it after a less than amicable departure.

Rounding the bases

Los Angeles outfielder Vladimir Guerrero was activated from the disabled list and was in the lineup for the Angels’ game against the New York Mets. … The Washington Nationals acquired second baseman Junior Spivey from Milwaukee in exchange for pitcher Tomo Ohka, and claimed right-hander Ryan Drese off waivers. … Tampa Bay prospect Wade Townsend signed a minor league contract in St. Petersburg, Fla., after he was selected eighth overall in the draft. … Texas prep star and 12th overall selection Jay Bruce signed with Cincinnati. … Tim Worrell returned to Philadelphia five weeks after leaving the team for personal reasons.