(LOT 1744)
c.1940s Babe Ruth Boston Red Sox PSA Type lV Encapsulated International News Photo Measures Approx. 4" x 9-1/2"
Babe Ruth photos depicting the incomparable "Sultan of Swat" in a Boston Red Sox uniform are among the most coveted collectible in the hobby. That said, presented here is a super imposing full body illustration of the immortal Ruth during his hallowed days in Beantown, standing with his hands on his hips while donning his Red Sox uniform. Although this is not a period photo, re-struck by the popular International News Service in the 1940s and deemed a PSA Type IV image, it still resides as an authentic BoSox Ruth photo that seldom surfaces for the taking. Ruth's incomparable career began in 1914 when the Red Sox claimed him from Jack Dunn's minor league Baltimore club.

The outstanding southpaw would pitch five full seasons in Boston (1915-19), winning a stellar 89 games while posting a sub 2.30 ERA. Ruth's pitching brilliance led the Red Sox to three world championships during his tenure (1915, 1916 & 1918), with the dominating left-hander setting a World Series record of tallying 29-2/3 consecutive scoreless innings (since then broken by Whitey Ford in the early 1960s). Ultimately, however, Ruth's uncanny batting prowess that led to an unprecedented number of home runs pulled him off the pitching rubber into right field as an everyday player. Although the "Babe" hit a then-record 29 dingers in 1919, it wasn't until owner Harry Frazee sold Ruth to the Yankees before the start of the 1920 season (allegedly to fund his Broadway musical comedy "No-No Nanette"), that the Bambino captivated an entire nation via his unparalleled batting exploits.

The 4" x 9-1/2" image reveals fine contrast and no glaring blemishes, as the mighty Ruth gazes into the unknown future this budding superstar was about to embark on. For purposes of full resolution, there are some stray wrinkles, a soiling spot along the left border and a significant amount of minor "surface-cracking" throughout the image. A "must have" at an affordable price for any avid Babe Ruth or photo enthusiast, it turns back the clock to an era when this "giant of a man" was just beginning to get his feet wet, unknowingly on his way to becoming one of America's most iconic figures both on and off the field!

MIN BID $500
_