(LOT 277)
1930 Spring Training w/Babe Ruth, Owner Col. Jacob Ruppert, Mgr. Bob Shawkey & Lou Gehrig – Ruth Signs a then Record Breaking 2-Year $160,000 Contract the Next Day - PSA Type 1 Encapsulated Associated Press Photo - Measures Approx. 7" x 9"
After Babe Ruth signed his 2-year contract for the 1930 and 1931 seasons for $80,000 per year, who could ever forget reporters questioning him about the fact that he was now making more money than the American President. In typical Ruthian fashion, he quickly responded: "I had a better year than the President!", a comment most likely prompted by the fact that America was currently buried in a depression during Herbert Hoover's tenure. This 1930 Associated Press 7" x 9" image portrays the great Bambino along with Yankees team owner Colonel Jacob Ruppert, new Yankees manager Bob Shawkey (in lieu of Miller Huggins untimely death the previous September) and the immortal Henry Louis Gehrig.

Taken on March 8, 1930 during a leisurely moment at their St. Petersburgh, FL. Spring Training facility, Ruth would end his holdout the next day when he signed his legendary 2-year $160,000 contract. Portraying spectacular contrast and clarity, other than a few negligible surface blemishes along the lower edge, no glaring flaws have impeded the critical central image. As a final exclamation point, the verso includes a significant 3/8/30 dated caption detailing the fact that this image was taken a day before Ruth would sign his momentous contract. A stupendous keepsake, it serves as a steadfast reminder of how Ruth held back "no punches" with regard to his glorified self-esteem, making it fully clear to his peers that his new record-setting earnings were unquestionably merited as opposed to America's lesser salaried President!

MIN BID $300
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