(LOT 634)
1927 Babe Ruth/Lou Gehrig Barnstorming Underwood & Underwood Photo – Measures Approx. 6-1/2" x 8-3/8" - PSA Type 1 Encapsulation
The 1927 season saw the New York Yankees "cruise" to a World Championship via the unparalleled batting exploits of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, with the popularity of these two mighty sluggers captivating an entire Nation. The Bambino's record setting 60-homer mark and Lou Gehrig's American League MVP status ably assisted their immense admiration from a seemingly infinite fan base, with their diamond exploits dominating our National Pastime for nearly a decade. Seizing the opportunity to capitalize on Ruth and Gehrig's peak stature, their renowned agent Christy Walsh brilliantly organized a Continental U.S. tour directly after the 1927 World Series. Dubbed the "Bustin Babes" and "Larrupin Lou's" Barnstorming tour, Ruth and Gehrig would play in towns/cities without Major League ball clubs in order to provide deprived fans a grand opportunity to see these legendary giants.

Starting in New York and sweeping across America to the California coast, Ruth and Gehrig would be the sole Major League players, with each respective town providing local players to round out the teams. Both young and old admirers of these baseball icons were afforded their "once in a lifetime" opportunity to see the two Yankee stars perform live, and the tour was such a huge success that it was repeated in the fall of 1928 after the Yankees claimed their second consecutive championship. Presented here is an outstanding image of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig both donning their respective "Bustin Babes" and "Larrupin Lou's" Barnstorming uniforms, with both Yankee icons joined by their celebrated agent Christy Walsh and Ruth's "Bustin Babes" teammates.

Emulating crystal-clear clarity and near-perfect contrast, the black & white photo is simply spectacular, only somewhat compromised by several "FILE COPY – DO NOT REMOVE" embossments slightly evident across the image's central region (these embossments were utilized on many of the photos issued by Underwood & Underwood). A lower left corner chip does not negate the awe-inspiring central image, and the verso includes the classic Underwood & Underwood credit stamp as well as a critical caption detailing the origin of this world-class offering. It is no secret that 1927 portraying either Ruth and Gehrig are highly coveted in the collecting community, let alone an illustration that captures both of these baseball icons in their revered barnstorming attire!

MIN BID $500
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