(LOT 135)
1923 "Babe Ruth In A Crowd" PSA Type I Encapsulated Underwood & Underwood Photo – Measures Approx. 6" x 7-3/4" (Includes PSA Type 1 LOA)
The year was 1923 and it marked not only the opening of iconic Yankee Stadium but the eventual inaugural New York Yankees World Championship! The Yankees young slugging superstar Babe Ruth was the toast of the town, and it was fitting that he would "christen" the new Yankee Stadium with its first home run that he walloped on opening day. Ruth would move on to a dynamic season that would include 41 dingers, 130 runs batted in and a staggering .393 batting average that would lead to this baseball giant rightfully claiming the American League MVP award. It is no secret that Ruth absolutely adored children, with his utmost affections for children most likely stemming from his volatile and incorrigible childhood lifestyle that resulted in him being placed in Baltimore's St. Mary's Industrial School for Boys. No doubt, Ruth held a "soft-spot" for virtually any youth, justifying why he typically would sign autographs or simply spend time with any group of kids.

This magnificent photo issued on 6/21/23 portrays the "Bambino" with a seemingly infinite number of young boys depicts Ruth in the center second row donning his dapper formal attire including a period-style bow tie. Revealing a heart-felt smile, the classic borderless image emanates virtually unimprovable contrast and clarity, with the only major flaw being a heavy crease (including some modest paper loss) near the upper left corner that does not impede the otherwise breathtaking aesthetics. Measuring approximately 6" x 7-3/4", its verso includes the renowned Underwood & Underwood credit stamp as well as a critical caption that tells the following story: "LOOK OVER THIS PICTURE AND SEE IF YOU CAN RECOGNIZE AN OLD PAL – You may have some difficulty in locating the gentleman; but you will finally land him somewhere about the middle of the photo. Just Babe Ruth, The Baron of Bats, with a number of his best friends – 6/21/23."

Regarding its potential value, we can refer back to 2011 when a somewhat conceptually similar photo dubbed "Babe Ruth – a Face in the Crowd" sold for a staggering $19,000+ at public auction. Considering how the photo has considerably spiraled upwards since that sensational sale, we will gladly pass the baton to you, the sophisticated collector, to ultimately decide this utterly remarkable "Ruthian" image's true worth! - Full PSA/DNA Type I LOA

MIN BID $300
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