This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/22/2017
There is famous … and there is Babe Ruth. Ruth transcended baseball to become not only one of the most popular sports figures of his time but also one of the most recognizable names in history! Nearly 70 years after his passing, the demand for his signature remains as strong as ever. Presented is an incredible opportunity to add the cornerstone piece to any collection — a game used official american league harridge 1930's game used baseball cleanly signed across the sweet spot, “Babe Ruth.” Accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA, Field of Dreams and Mike Gutierrez. The evenly toned Official American League Harridge baseball from the 1930's has some spotting and scuffing which resemble bat marks on the surface that are attributed to actual game use according to the letter of authenticity issued by Field of Dreams comfirmed by opinion of Babe Ruth expert and now member of Heritage Auctions; Mike Gutierrez. The side inscription on the west panel reads, “To Alcan From.” That inscription, however, is far enough removed on the side panel to essentially allow the ball to display as a single signed sphere!
In the wake of the scandalous 1919 World Series, Babe Ruth almost single-handedly saved the National Pastime from itself. His power at the plate was unlike anything any fan had seen up to that point, and it was exactly what baseball needed. Originally a left-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, he will be forever known as the hard-hitting (and hard-living) outfielder for the New York Yankees, the team he joined in 1920. It was there, in the Bronx, at Yankee Stadium … “The House that Ruth Built” … that the Babe established many MLB records, including setting the season home run mark with 60 in 1927, as well as records for career home runs (714), RBIs (2,213), bases on balls (2,062), slugging percentage (.690), and on-base plus slugging (1.164) — the last two which still stand as MLB records! He was one of the first five inductees into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936.
Always a willing signer, the demand for Ruth autographs was great during his playing and in his retirement. Not even ill health could dissuade him signing. Even with his generosity, Ruth’s signature is still on many collectors’ “wish lists.” This example one of the more interesting balls that we have seen when considering the autograph quality combined with the rare and unique aspect of game use.