(LOT 1568)
c.1927 Babe Ruth - Type 1 PSA Encapsulated Wide World Photos
By 1927, the name George Herman Ruth, or The Babe, was a household name worldwide and he was only 32 years old. Babe was the 1923 American League MVP, though he should likely have won closer to a dozen Chalmers/MVP honors, but his impact on baseball extends far beyond his bat and his monstrous slugging numbers. Ruth unquestionably transformed baseball from a speed game to a power game, but his influence in spreading the popularity throughout the world was unmatched. In 1921, on July 18th, Ruth passed Roger Connor for the career home run record with 139, and each and every home run for the next 15 years set a new career record. In 1927, he set the Major League record with 60 home runs in a season, a mark that stood for 34 years until Roger Maris surpassed him in 1961.

This PSA-encased circa-1927 original Type 1 World Wide Photos news service photograph of The Babe, measuring 7-1/4" x 9-3/4", taken during a photoshoot that produced the 1922 William Paterson issue. Presenting here is a mesmerizing and solemn Sultan of Swat borderless photo as he stares blankly into the camera showing no emotion, perhaps as he awaits his turn at bat. Moderate creasing and wrinkling is evident around the perimeter with sharp, but lightly touched corners. World Wide Photos have stamped the reverse with a second "E.F.S. Feb 1927" date stamp also visible beneath heavy, yet unobstructed, adhesive residue coating the back. Despite the minimal defects and near-100 years of storage and display wear, absolutely nothing can take away from this fabulous photograph of the Bambino's resolved expression at center.

MIN BID $1,000
_