(LOT 287)
1922 Babe Ruth Opening Day Original PSA Type 1 Encapsulated National (N.E.A.) Photo – Measures Approx. 6-1/2" x 8-1/2"
1922 YANKEES OPENING DAY!!!... Early 1920s Yankee Babe Ruth artifacts continue to rise in value, with these highly-coveted keepsakes highly sought after by the hobby's elite enthusiasts. Sold to the Yankees by Harry Frazee to fund his "No, No, Nanette" theatre production before the start of the 1920 season, Babe Ruth's new home was now the Big Apple's Polo Grounds, and he didn't disappoint his new fan base, slugging an unheard of 54 and 59 home runs in his first two seasons with the Yankees! Not only did Ruth double his previous record of 29 dingers with Boston, he was out-homering virtually every MLB club! Mementos from Ruth's early Yankee playing days are few and far between, justifying why this historical 1922 N.E.A. Original PSA Type 1 photo is an extraordinary link to Ruth's NY Yankee origin.

Measuring approximately 6-1/2" x 8-1/2", this iconic image portrays Ruth in formal attire, as he arrived in Washington D.C. to watch the Yankees face-off against the Senators on opening day, April 12, 1922. The natural question is why is Ruth sitting behind the Yankees dugout in his dapper attire as a spectator, rather than being on the field to in his Yankee gray flannels? The simple answer is Ruth was suspended for the first six weeks of the 1922 campaign by commissioner Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis for disobeying the MLB policy that forbid players to partake in barnstorming games (Ruth barnstormed after the 1921 season). Therefore, Ruth would have to be a Yankee "rooter" on opening day, and his absence was immediately felt with the Yankees falling short to Washington by a 6-5 score. As an aftermath, Ruth's eventual return would see him lead the Yankees to the AL Pennant via a 94-60 record, with Ruth still managing to wallop 35 homers and knock in 96 runs in a shortened season.

The crystal clear photo reveals Ruth sitting behind the Yankees dugout in his roaring-'20s suit and "Great Gatsby" style cap, and other than two upper corner chips, no glaring flaws are evident. The verso depicts a critical caption stating: "The mighty "Babe" arrived early for the opening game and occupied a lonesome seat just back of the New York dugout.", and the renowned N.E.A. violet credit stamp is situated in the lower right quadrant. A most significant unique offering, it conjures up vivid memories of how the Bambino's defiance of Judge Landis' stern barnstorming policies ultimately led him to missing the first six weeks of the 1922 campaign!

MIN BID $300
_