Lot # 244: Extraordinary 1921 Babe Ruth PSA Type I Encapsulated Paul Thompson Photo – Measures Approx. 6-1/2” x 8-1/2” – Includes PSA Type 1 LOA

Category: Photos

Starting Bid: $5,000.00

Bids: 13 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Spring 2021 Rarities Auction",
which ran from 2/27/2021 10:00 AM to
3/20/2021 7:00 PM




(LOT 244)
Extraordinary 1921 Babe Ruth PSA Type I Encapsulated Paul Thompson Photo – Measures Approx. 6-1/2" x 8-1/2" – Includes PSA Type 1 LOA

We cannot think of a more formidable "dynamic duo" than the immortal Babe Ruth and world-class photographer Paul Thompson, with Thompson's early 1920's 'Sultan of Swat" images among the most coveted photos on the planet! Presented here just happens to be one of those exalted illustrations, with this 1921 Ruthian offer struck by the legendary Thompson during a campaign that easily stands as one of the Bambino's greatest seasons ever. The year is 1921 and Babe Ruth never looked better as he dons his classic Yankee pinstripe uniform at the Polo Grounds, his temporary home, in this classic 6-1/2" x 8-1/2" Paul Thompson PSA Type 1 photo. Indeed, Yankee Stadium (The house that Ruth built) was not yet constructed and the "Babe" would share his home field with John McGraw's New York Giants from 1920 thru 1923.

Little did Babe Ruth realize he would end one of his or anyone's finest slugging seasons ever; walloping 59 round-trippers, knocking in 168 runs and posting an amazing .378 batting average. Ruth's 59 dingers would actually best his previous year's record of 54 homers, quickly setting a new standard until only 6 years later when he would turn the baseball world upside down via his 60-homer mark in 1927. Ironically, Ruth would lead the Yankees to the 1921 World Series against McGraw's Giants, eventually falling to their cross-town rivals in the Fall Classic. More significant, however, is this incredible heirloom that portrays the "Bambino" having just tossing away several bats and holding the one piece of colossal lumber that he has chosen to wallop a horsehide sphere. Extraordinary to say the least, you can literally feel Ruth's intensity as he points his bat, left hand extended outward, in a strikingly similar manner as when he would allegedly call his shot by pointing his left hand towards the center field bleachers some 11 years later in the 1932 World Series.

It is clearly obvious that Ruth is about to put on a batting practice exhibition that will once again leave his fan base virtually speechless, and you can see the array of spectators in the background anxiously awaiting the "Colossus of Swat" to step to the plate and start blasting some baseballs towards the furthest confines of the Polo Grounds. The black & white glossy image reveals breathtaking clarity and contrast, remarkably eluding any notable flaws for nearly the past century. The corners have retained a majority of their original square formations, the borders still exhibit a bright white texture and most significantly, the verso includes the critical Paul Thompson credit stamp and a pencil scripted notation reads as follows: "He discards two of his Indian Clubs retaining his home run bat." Simply stated, this proudly resides as one of the premier photos in the hobby, and it is no secret among advanced enthusiasts that early 1920's Paul Thompson photos portraying Babe Ruth are achieving price tags in the $20K - $40K range.

Considering the brilliant condition, its awe-inspiring early 1920's Ruthian image and the fact that it was struck by one of baseball's all-time iconic photographers, we can only assume that there will be a serious "tug of war" to determine its final fortunate owner. Little did people know at the time that the swashbuckling Ruth would be embarking on a Yankees career that would ultimately lead to him being dubbed our National Pastime's greatest all-time player, and it is no secret that Ruth would have likewise been a Hall of Fame "hurler" had he continued his amazing exploits from the pitching rubber rather than from the batter's box. Courtesy of Memory Lane, the elite collector is now afforded a golden opportunity to capture one of Babe Ruth's most captivating images, with this Paul Thompson masterpiece turning back the clock to an era when the "Babe" was clearly revolutionizing our National Pastime!

MIN BID $5,000
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