(LOT 654)
1923 Babe Ruth w/His Young Fan Base – Underwood & Underwood Type 1 Photo - Measures Approx. 6" x 7-1/2" - PSA Type 1 Encapsulation
The 1923 season would see 'The House That Ruth Built" officially open and the Bambino would newly christen Yankee Stadium by clouting the first official home run at the expense of the rival Boston Red Sox on opening day. The Yankees would go on to not only win that inaugural game behind Ruth's mighty blast but win the World Series, with the "Sultan of Swat" paving the way via 1923 statistics that included 41 dingers, 130 R.B.I.'s, a .393 batting average (his finest ever), and an unfathomable 1.309 OPS! Indeed, the incomparable Ruth had captured the hearts of millions of aspiring young fans throughout the country, and this "larger than life" ballplayer was now considered one of the most benevolent athletes around the globe. It is no secret that his pure love for children was second to none, most likely originating from the fact that he, himself, spent years in St. Mary's orphanage, surrounded by deserted and unloved children the better part of his childhood.

Simply stated, "The Babe" adored virtually every youth he met, and this magnificent 1923 photo taken during the Yankees inaugural World Championship season depicts the "Babe" taking a photoshoot with a group of his young and ardent admirers. The 6" x 7-1/2" borderless photo was struck on June 21, 1923, with more than 30 ecstatic boys encompassing their beloved hero who just happens to be donning his formal attire that includes a neat period-style bow-tie. Other than some areas that include a series of diminutive black spottiness, we cannot detect any obtrusive flaws, with the verso revealing the Underwood & Underwood credit stamp as well as a caption reading: "LOOK OVER THIS PICTURE AND SEE IF YOU CAN RECOGNIZE AN OLD PAL – You may have some difficulty in locating the gentleman; but you will finally land him somewhere about the middle of the photo. Just Babe Ruth, the Baron of Bats, with a number of his best friends. – 6/21/23". An absolutely sensational offering, it reflects the "King of Swat" in arguably his most enjoyable atmosphere; being surrounded by a seemingly infinite band of children who worshiped the "Babe" as if he was a god himself!

MIN BID $300
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