(LOT 275)
c.1920's Babe Ruth Signing Bats for Kids - PSA Type 1 Encapsulated Photo – Measures Approx. 7-3/4" x 10" - Includes PSA Type 1 LOA
This sensational offering measuring approximately 7-3/4" x 10" portrays Babe Ruth signing a bunch of baseball bats for two awestruck boys, Bruno Albertelli and Edward Zablocki. While Ruth unquestionably stands as our National Pastime's greatest all-time player, likewise, he arguably resides as the "king of the hill" with regards to the number of artifacts he signed throughout his storied career. Simply stated, the Bambino absolutely adored his enthralled fans, especially the young ones who were totally captivated with this "larger than life" legend. It is said that Ruth virtually never denied an autograph seeker, and even his best friend, Hall of Famer Waite Hoyt clearly stated: "I must have seen "Babe" sign over 10,000 baseballs!" Ruth's unparalleled affection for children most likely stemmed from his volatile and incorrigible childhood lifestyle that resulted in him being placed in Baltimore's St. Mary's Industrial School for Boys. No doubt, Ruth held a "soft-spot" for virtually any youth, justifying why he typically would sign autographs or simply spend time speaking with his fascinated admirers. The 7-3/4" x 10" offering reveals the "King of Swat" signing a hoard of bats to be used as prizes for the Louisville Slugger sponsored "All-America Baseball Contest."

Both Bruno and Edward are ably assisting the Bambino script a hoard of his legendary Louisville Slugger model bats for the ensuing contest and, knowing the "Babe", you can safely bet those two enamored boys went home that day with scripted bats of their own. While several stray creases exist including one diagonal wrinkle that runs through the center of the hallowed image, they are unobtrusive to say the least, with this nearly century old illustration still portraying outstanding aesthetics. The verso includes a significant caption that reads as follows: "BABE SIGNS HIS FAMOUS LOUISVILLE SLUGGER BATS FOR CONTEST PRIZES – The Big Bam always looks at home wielding the Bog Stick. In this case he also sakes a nimble pen. Bruno Albertelli and Edward Zablocki are assisting him in the great handwriting act, in which Mr. Ruth uses his right hand, saving his southpaw for the ballfield. Papers in all parts of the country conducting Babe Ruth's All America Contest offer his famous Louisville Slugger" bats as prizes." An extraordinary heirloom, it serves as a sheer reminder of how this baseball immortal spent a countless number of hours to provide his young fan base with a scripted Ruthian memento they could cherish for virtually an entire lifetime! PSA/DNA Encapsulated & PSA/DNA LOA.

MIN BID $400
_