(LOT 1702)
Extraordinary 1929-34 Babe Ruth's Yankees Stadium Bronze Locker Tag with Lanyard
In 1929, the New York Yankees began donning numbers across the backs of their jerseys, and one can only imagine the flood of requests for licensed player gear, ubiquitous in this day and age, during the days of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig and "Murderer's Row" as well as so many other stars across Major League Baseball. But, while that was not the case, the Yankees clubhouse recognized the change with adding numbers and issued three bronze medallions to each player, one for his locker, one for his luggage and one for his bag. Offered here is one of those rare locker tags issued to the indomitable Babe Ruth between 1929 and 1934 (his final year as a Yankee). This approximately 2"-diameter bronze medallion has been struck "BABE RUTH 3" on the front with "YANKEE STADIUM – LOCKER 3 – THE BRONX, NEW YORK" printed on the reverse. Our consignor received this tag decades ago directly from a New York Yankees staffer. Though most accounts reveal that each player was issued three, Ruth was rumored to have possibly had additional copies produced to be given to some fortunate fans and admirers. This amazing Yankee Stadium and Babe Ruth relic remains in fantastically clean condition with light tarnishing near the eyelet at which a 7-1/2" period lanyard (possibly) remains attached. This is an awesome piece of Yankee Stadium and Babe Ruth history and not something to be overlooked!
MIN BID $200
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