Lot # 9: Magnificent Babe Ruth Signed 1947 Ebbets Field World Series Program – Full PSA/DNA LOA & Letter of Provenance & Video Declaration from the Consignor

Category: Autographs

Starting Bid: $1,000.00

Bids: 13 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "20th Anniversary Auction",
which ran from 9/18/2020 4:30 PM to
10/10/2020 7:00 PM




(LOT 9)
Magnificent Babe Ruth Signed 1947 Ebbets Field World Series Program – Full PSA/DNA LOA & Letter of Provenance & Video Declaration from the Consignor




Turn back the clock to pre-1948 and try and imagine a young boy's utter exhilaration at the actual thought of meeting the immortal George Herman "Babe" Ruth and having him sign an artifact that could be cherished for decades to follow. Indeed, there is nothing more innocent and precious than the "faith of a child", and some 73 years ago, the ultimate dream of meeting the "Babe" just happened to become a reality for 12-year old Michael Cipollaro when he met Babe Ruth at one of the Yankees/Dodgers 1947 World Series games played at Brooklyn's Ebbets Field. Born and raised in New York City on Riverside Drive, Michael was an avid N.Y. Giants fan, yet his dislike for both the mighty Yankees and Dodgers did not discourage him from attending what he tentatively believes to have been game#5 at Ebbets Field on October 4, 1947, won by the Yankees by a 2-1 score. His beloved late-father Anthony was a world-renowned dermatologist and Cornell professor who wrote six books on Dermatology as well as achieving the distinct honor of being cited as the "Greatest Contributor to America" for 1965. It was dad who surprised 12-year Michael with two tickets for that early fall contest, with the seemingly "inseparable" father and son duo sitting approximately 20 rows behind home plate.

What our esteemed consignor does vividly remember is that after being seated, they noticed the legendary Babe Ruth in attendance at a nearby front-row seat, with Michael asking his father if he could take the Ebbets Field program they purchased for 50 cents over to Ruth and have him sign it. Dad said that would be fine and Michael walked over to the "Sultan of Swat" and to the best of his recollection, nervously asked him; "Mr. Ruth, can I get your autograph?" The Bambino shook Michael's hand and gladly responded "sure kid", opening the program to the empty scorecard and boldly scripting his "Babe Ruth" signature across the middle of the Dodgers scorecard in the blue fountain pen Michael provided him. Fulfilling the dream of any captivated avid baseball fan, let alone a 12-year old enamored boy, this 48-page program has been cherished by our consignor ever since, with the bold blue "Babe Ruth" script presenting itself in approximate "Mint 9" strength. Recently turning 85 years old, Michael has ultimately decided that the time has come to pass it along to another passionate collector, with the sincere hope that this revered heirloom will likewise enthrall its new fortunate owner. The program itself (see multiple pictures on the MLI website) is still in formidable condition, the spine fully intact with the expected edge wear and some stray surface wrinkles rendered virtually negligible. As an added "treat" for our valued customers, the MLI website also includes a short video of consignor Michael Cipollaro proudly discussing the history of his treasured program.

Ironically enough, Babe Ruth's unparalleled success story is very synonymous to the remarkable 70-year career of Michael Cipollaro, who at the age of 85 still runs three on-line businesses and shows little signs of slowing down. A current resident of Houston, Texas, in his early 20's Michael certainly paved the way for a path that would make his father exceptionally proud, receiving his undergraduate degree from Georgetown and a "Masters" from the prestigious John Hopkins University. Living in four different European countries, his glorified career would include being an executive for McCormick & Co. Inc., and president of the illustrious Gerber Baby Products Company's International Division. Like his dad, he would also enjoy a glorious stint as a college professor, teaching International Business for nearly a decade at Rollins College based in Winter Park, Florida. While there simply isn't enough space to touch upon Michael's infinite-like accomplishments, what we can safely say is that his greatest achievements continue to be his 7 children and 8 grandchildren, all of whom reside as the true "apples of his eyes!" He also touched upon the fact that his kids are mostly involved with soccer, thus showing little interest in this world-class keepsake that carries the autograph of baseball's greatest all-time player.

That in itself made the decision to part with the program less excruciating, with Michael now willing to "pass the baton" along to another zealous enthusiast and likewise have them feel the overwhelming enthusiasm he has been blessed with for the past 73 years. It is no secret that any formidable Ruth autographed keepsake stands as one of the foremost collectibles in the hobby due to the unparalleled dynamic charisma and diamond excellence of the incomparable Babe Ruth. The "Bambino's" amazing accomplishments have set the ultimate benchmark for any professional baseball player, with his remarkable mystique placing him as the ultimate idol for a countless number of aspiring fans. The sheer thought of placing such a hallowed artifact on one's favorite mantelpiece or curio cabinet shelf spurs a "spine tingling" feeling from any sophisticated hobbyist; for no player past, present or future could possibly compete with the Bambino's larger than life persona. Each passing day his popularity increases profoundly, with avid collectors actively seeking to capture any of his most valuable treasures. The "Babe" has set the ultimate benchmark for all of his peers to be measured against while standing tall as the pinnacle embodiment of a National Hero, justifying why this "timeless" Babe Ruth scripted 1947 World Series program resides as a sheer testament to his incomparable stature! - Includes Full Letter of Provenance from Michael Cipollaro & Full PSA/DNA LOA

MIN BID $1,000
___

Views: 1099