(LOT 617)
1937 Babe Ruth Autographed Original Type 1 Snapshot/Photo – "Fresh to the Hobby" From a Massachusetts Family Archive – PSA/DNA Encapsulation
One of the most treasured autographed mementos continues to be an original photograph signed by the iconic "Sultan of Swat". For twenty years, the Bambino blasted home runs to the deepest confines of any ballpark, totaling 714 round-trippers when he finally decided to call it quits in June, 1935 with the Boston Braves. As one would expect, Ruth continued to "hang around" the game, appearing at the Yankees spring training facility many times, attending a myriad of ballgames and actually coaching with the Brooklyn Dodgers for a single season in 1938. Presented here just happens to be a "fresh to the hobby" Babe Ruth original Type 1 golfing photo that has been signed in bold black fountain pen ink by none other than the immortal Babe Ruth.

Measuring approximately 3-1/2" x 5-1/2", the photo was originally taken at the Yankees Clearwater, Florida spring training site in 1937. Our esteemed consignor's father Jonathan (or "Buster" - his popular nickname) was born in 1915 in upstate New York, and at an early age moved to Cedar Knolls, New Jersey. A diehard Yankees fan, Buster was an aspiring young ballplayer and always looked to "hang out" wherever the Yankees were playing. Having grown up watching Ruth and Gehrig terrorize their American League opponents, Buster would take any possible opportunity to capture their autographs but until 1937, never achieved his lifelong dream. Then, in 1937 at the Yankees Clearwater, FL. Spring Training site, Buster's dream would become a reality at the tender age of 22.

Having flown down to Florida to watch the Yankees prepare for the season, Buster realized Babe Ruth was likewise in Clearwater for a golf tournament, and he seized the right moment to take a picture of Ruth golfing with some of his close companions, one of which included the legendary Hall of Fame golfer Gene Sarazen. Buster tentatively approached "The Babe" and requested him to sign this precious family keepsake. Only three years later, Buster would marry his wife Helen who he was dating at the time he claimed this momentous Ruth artifact.

The true "Holy Grail" sports collectible of his entire lifetime, before passing on, he entrusted it to his daughter Trudy who is proud to have Memory Lane provide the opportunity for another passionate enthusiast to likewise cherish it for years to come. The bold black script presents itself in solid "7/8" strength, and the vintage photo only reveals a few modest creases in the upper quadrants, far away from the critical Babe Ruth signature that is perfectly situated along the grass to the left of Ruth's right leg. A magnificent "fresh to the hobby" family heirloom, it conjures up vivid memories of our bygone youth, and what it truly meant to meet our baseball heroes for the very first time! – PSA/DNA Encapsulation

MIN BID $750
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