(LOT 233)
Babe Ruth Signed Spalding Baseball Club Radio Program Certificate – Measures Approx. 6" x 8-1/2" - PSA 9 MINT Autograph & Encapsulation; Full JSA LOA
SIGNED RUTH CERTIFICATE!!!... Among the great Bambino's seemingly infinite number of promotional ventures was Ruth spearheading the Spalding Baseball Club radio show whereby official members would receive a prominent 6" x 8-1/2" certificate. Sponsored by Spalding in the mid-1940s, Babe Ruth was dubbed "President", teaming up with Director Bill Stern who was one of baseball's foremost sportscasters, and an inaugural member of the American Sportscasters Association Hall of Fame. Presented here just happens to be one of these ultra-scarce Spalding Certificates that has been boldly scripted "Babe Ruth" directly to the left of the SPALDING caption, with this signature style spot-on consistent with the Babe's mid-1940s scripts. Autographed for a captivated youngster who attended the show in the 1945-46 era, PSA has rightfully assigned a "9 MINT" grade for the black steel fountain pen autograph that has defied nearly 90 years of potential wear (JSA LOA included as well). The certificate has remained in stellar eye pleasing condition, with the three faint vertical folds and mild toning not compromising the overall aesthetics. Beneath the bold black "BABE RUTH BASEBALL CLUB" caption reads the following text: "This certifies that _____ is a Club Member in good standing having been present at a studio meeting of the 'Babe Ruth In Person' radio program."

The fortunate recipient's name was not written in on the blank line, and along the lower region are facsimile signatures of both Babe Ruth and Bill Stern. There is a classic portrait image of Ruth near the upper region, with the somewhat toned blank back relatively clean. The first of its kind we have ever offered, this certainly suffices as one of the rarest signed Ruth documents extant. We have seen other Ruth sponsored scripted artifacts such as his Ford Motor Company batting image and World's Fair Laurel Card (just to mention a few), but this world-class Spalding Certificate is a near-impossible find. Let's turn back the clock and try to imagine the excitement that enthralled fan truly felt when the one and only Sultan of Swat added his hallowed signature on his radio certificate. It is no secret that Ruth absolutely adored children, never turning his back on one of his young worshiper's autograph requests. Even HOF pitcher Waite Hoyt, Ruth's teammate and best friend, once quoted: "I must have seen Babe signed over 10,000 baseballs." Indeed, the unparalleled George Herman "Babe" Ruth, baseball's undisputed greatest all-time player, was one of the most benevolent players who ever graced a baseball diamond, with this museum worthy signed heirloom one of his most elusive and desirable collectibles!

MIN BID $2,000
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