(LOT 87)
c.1927/'28 Babe Ruth/Lou Gehrig Barnstorming PSA Type l Encapsulated Photo - Brown Brothers Measures Approx. 8" x 10"
The 1927 season would see the mighty New York Yankees absolutely crush their opposition, virtually "cake walking" to their second World Championship with a climatic 4 game sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The dynamic duo of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig led this unparalleled squad, with their record setting assault on the fences eventually leading to the "Bambino's" unfathomable 60 home runs. These two slugging icons dominated our National Pastime for nearly a decade, striking an incomparable fear into the hearts of virtually every pitcher they faced, and it is an accepted notion that no two teammates could possibly match their coupled achievements.

Virtually every American was now captivated by these incredible sluggers, which prompted Ruth and Gehrig's renowned agent Christy Walsh to organize 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. This remarkable 8" x 10" photo exhibits these two baseball "giants" posing for the camera during one of their classic Barnstorming Tours. Measuring approximately 8" x 10", both Ruth and Gehrig are donning their respective "Bustin Babes" and "Lurrapin Lou's" classic uniforms in imposing "close-up" shots of these immortal players. The image projects fine contrast and clarity, with no obtrusive flaws evident on either side.

For full disclosure, there are diminutive pinholes situated near each corner as well as an additional pinhole directly beneath Ruth's right shoulder, none of which detract from the spine-tingling central image. The flipside reveals the critical "BROWN BROTHERS" credit stamp and a scripted pencil notation reading: "Babe Ruth & Lou Gehrig on barnstorming trip after winning World Series". Seldom surfacing for the taking, we have seen some of the few existing Type 1 Ruth/Gehrig barnstorming photos sell in excess of five-figures, with one recently fetching $14K in our most recent Memory Lane auction. A bona-fide world class memento, it turns back to a clock to an era when the "Sultan of Swat" and "Iron Horse" formed the finest "one-two" batting punch in baseball history! – PSA Type 1 Encapsulation

MIN BID $1,000
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