Lot # 1705: 1924 Babe Ruth, Walter Johnson & Christy Walsh PSA Type 1 Encapsulated Photo - Measures Approx. 5” x 8”

Category: Photos

Starting Bid: $400.00

Bids: 4 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Fall Rarities Auction 2021",
which ran from 9/25/2021 12:00 PM to
10/9/2021 7:00 PM




(LOT 1705)
1924 Babe Ruth, Walter Johnson & Christy Walsh PSA Type 1 Encapsulated Photo - Measures Approx. 5" x 8"

Entering the early 1920s, it was no secret that Babe Ruth and Walter Johnson were the two "Kings" at their respective crafts. Simply stated, no one could come close to clouting home runs at the supernatural pace as the "Sultan of Swat", and the "Big Train" assumed the title of the game's greatest pitcher. Having already clubbed 54 and 59 record-setting round-trippers in two successive seasons, the "Bambino" was not only the toast of the town, but arguably the most celebrated individual in America. Capitalizing on his popularity and against Judge Mountain Landis's wishes (MLB's stern commissioner), Ruth's renowned agent Christy Walsh organized a barnstorming tour after the 1924 season that would see both Ruth and teammate Bob Meusel manage two teams that would tour the Western U.S.

This was an ultra-special feature for avid baseball fans in the State of California who had never had the opportunity of seeing the Bambino play. Major League baseball had yet to realize western expansion, with baseball enthusiasts geographically situated in those far western states only exposed to minor league professional games (e.g., the California Pacific Coast League). At that point in time, this was the Babe's most successful barnstorming tour ever, taking place that fall. Both his and Meusel's two teams traveled 8,500 miles and played in 15 cities before 125,000 people.

They played a single game in each of those 15 cities with Ruth's team winning every game (15-0), and the Babe slugging 17 dingers. Over-anxious fans eagerly awaited the arrival of the sanctified George Herman Ruth to their small towns, with News Service photographers jumping on the bandwagon to take any possible photos of these extraordinary events. One such photo is this sensational offering that just happens to portray the immortal Walter Johnson, George Herman "Babe" Ruth and renowned agent Christy Walsh gracefully posing with eight other individuals.

It should be noted that Ruth's is donning the exact uniform he wore on his celebrated October 22, 1924 Dunsmuir, CA. real photo postcard that has previously sold for nearly $20,000. Ruth's uniform clearly validates this barnstorming event while booth Johnson and Walsh are donning formal attire. Measuring approximately 5" x 8", the image reflects absolutely awe-inspiring clarity and contrast, with no glaring flaws impeding its world-class aesthetics and a relatively clean blank verso providing the final stamp of approval. One of the rarest and most significant Babe Ruth barnstorming photos extant, it just happens to include the majestic "Big Train" and Christy Walsh as added superlatives!

MIN BID $400
_

Views: 415