(LOT 132)
c.1920's Babe Ruth "Batting" Image - PSA Type 1 Encapsulated Keystone View Co, Photo – Measures Approx. 8" x 9-1/2" – PSA Type 1 LOA
Babe Ruth made his "Big Apple" debut in 1920 and via his tape-measure home runs and flamboyant personality literally "stole the hearts" of the die-hard New York fans, who like millions of Americans, were downtrodden over the 1919 World Series "Black Sox" scandal. While the integrity of our National Pastime was certainly at stake, it didn't take the Bambino long to make the World Series "fix" a distant memory. Incredibly, Ruth clubbed a record 54 homers in his inaugural 1920 Yankee campaign, and the following season he would quickly re-write the record books by smacking 59 dingers. Baseball was now revolutionized forever via the emergence of the "long ball", courtesy of George Herman "Babe" Ruth.

The "Sultan of Swat" would continue clouting balls into the grandstands at an alarming rate until 1927, when he finally achieved his goal of hitting 60 home runs while leading the World Champion Yankees to their second World Series title. Ruth finished the decade with an astonishing 467 homers, averaging a likewise amazing 47 round-trippers per season! It therefore comes as little surprise that collectors actively seek Ruth mementos from his 1920's tenure with the Yankees, and this imposing c.1920's PSA Type 1 Ruth batting photo fits right into that niche. Measuring approximately 8" x 9-1/2", 'The Babe" has just completed one of his mighty batting practice swings as he firmly grips his mammoth style lumber. Indeed, you can literally feel the 40 ounces+ weight of Ruth's gigantic bat that has just walloped another horsehide sphere. The central image reveals awe-inspiring resolution and contrast as Ruth dons his "work-out" sweatshirt and pantaloons.

The notable flaws primarily exist along the left border including a severe lower left corner chip, two additional diminutive chips, and what appears to be a modest tear somewhat protruding into the image's frame. Yet, most significantly, these blemishes do not impede the classic Ruth swinging pose, with the critical "Keystone View Co." credit stamp affixed to the verso. An outstanding Babe Ruth illustration, it serves as a vivid reminder of how this swashbuckling slugger arrived in New York for the 1920 campaign to ultimately become baseball's greatest all-time player!

MIN BID $400
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