(LOT 96)
1924 Babe Ruth & Walter Johnson Barnstorming PSA Type l Encapsulated Pacific & Atlantic Photo - Measures Approx. 6-1/2" x 8-1/2"
Entering the early 1920's, it was no secret that Babe Ruth and Walter Johnson were the two "Kings" at their respective skillsets. Simply stated, no one could come close to clouting home runs at the supernatural-like pace as the "Sultan of Swat", and the "Big Train" assumed the title of the game's greatest pitcher. Having already clubbed 58 and 59 record-setting round trippers in two successive seasons, the "Sultan of Swat" was not only the toast of the town, but arguably the most celebrated individual in America. Meanwhile, with Grover Alexander suffering the ill effects of indulging himself with alcoholic beverages (in lieu of his WWI woes) and Mathewson long retired, the great Walter Johnson stood tall as the "king of the hill".

Capitalizing on his popularity and against Judge Mountain Landis's wishes (MLB's stern commissioner), Ruth's renowned agent Christy Walsh organized a barnstorming tour after the 1924 season that would see both Ruth and teammate Bob Meusel manage two teams that would tour the Western U.S. This was an ultra-special feature for avid baseball fans in the California state who had never had the opportunity of seeing the Bambino play. Major League baseball had yet to realize western expansion, with baseball enthusiasts geographically situated in those far western states only exposed to minor league professional games (e.g., the California Pacific Coast League). At that point in time, this was the most the Babe's most successful barnstorming tour ever took place that fall. Both his and Meusel's two teams traveled 8,500 miles and played in 15 cities before 125,000 people.

They played a single game in each of those 15 cities with Ruth's team winning every game (15-0), and the Babe slugging 17 dingers. Over-anxious fans eagerly awaited the arrival of the sanctified George Herman Ruth to their small towns, with News Service photographers jumping on the bandwagon to take any possible photos of these extraordinary events. One such photo is this grand Pacific & Atlantic offering that just happens to portray BOTH the immortal Walter Johnson and George Herman "Babe" Ruth gracefully smiling in front of a wire fence. Three lovely ladies are situated directly behind these unparalleled icons, seemingly in awe of being so close to our National Pastime's two greatest stars.

It should be noted that Ruth's is donning the exact uniform he wore on his celebrated October 22, 1924 Dunsmuir, CA. real photo postcard that has previously sold for nearly $20,000. Measuring approximately 6-1/2" x 8-1/2", the image reflects absolutely awe-inspiring clarity and contrast, with no glaring flaws impeding its world-class aesthetics. The verso includes the critical Pacific & Atlantic credit stamp, the final exclamation point for one of the rarest and most significant Babe Ruth barnstorming photos extant that just happens to include the majestic "Big Train" as a truly additional superlative! – PSA Type I Encapsulation

MIN BID $500
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