(LOT 447)
1921 Babe Ruth Original Type I George Grantham Bain Photo – Measures Approx. 4-1/2" x 6-1/4" – Full PSA Type I LOA
This magnificent George Grantham Bain photo of the iconic Babe Ruth was taken on June 24, 1921 at the Polo grounds with the Bambino donning his classic Yankee pinstripes and period-style white cap that was worn in the early 1920's. The 1921 campaign would see the Yankees win the American League pennant and lose the Fall Classic to John McGraw's cross-town rival N.Y. Giants. Led by their slugging right fielder, Ruth would post unfathomable numbers including 59 homers, 168 runs batted in and an incredible .378 batting average. The 59 dingers would actually break his previous 54-record set the year before, his inaugural season with the New York Yankees. The image itself reveals Ruth in a throwing/pitching pose, depicting fine sepia-toned contrast and no obtrusive flaws.

For full disclosure, there is an upper left corner chip, a few wavy edges (indicating slight trimming) and an extremely light Bain News Service stamp situated across Ruth's jersey. The verso reveals the critical "Bain News Service" credit stamp, and an additional ink stamp that reads: "Babe Ruth of Yankees pitching – June 24, 1921", clearly indicating this image was taken during the 1921 season. Early 1920's Babe Ruth Yankee images are in extremely high demand, with various Bain photos realizing $5,000+ over the past several years. Here is one that seldom surfaces for the taking, with the "Sultan of Swat" donning a white Yankee cap and gracing the grounds of the legendary Polo Grounds that would be the Yankees home field thru the 1922 season. – PSA/DNA Type I LOA

MIN BID $500

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