(LOT 138)
Babe Ruth Signed June 12, 1939 Baseball Centennial First Day Cover – PSA 8 NM-MT AUTO/PSA Encapsulation
Historic to say the least, June 12, 1939 will forever mark the day when the baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. first opened its doors to the general public, with the day of this grand opening directly coinciding with the commemoration of our National Pastime's centennial. A total of 26 Hall of Fame inductees, including the five original 1936 members, were honored that day, with this prestigious inaugural event held at Doubleday field. Baseball's greatest stars and executives were in attendance, and the centennial celebration was related to the then assumed 100-year anniversary of Abner Doubleday formalizing the official rules of baseball. While historians eventually pinpointed Alexander Cartwright as our National Pastime's chief inventor, Abner Doubleday's presumed influence will forever remain etched in American folklore. Presented here is a highly coveted Babe Ruth signed June 12, 1939 Baseball Centennial First Day Cover that has been authenticated/encapsulated by PSA.

The bold black fountain pen "Babe Ruth" autograph has been awarded a PSA 8 NM-MT assessment, stubbornly defying father-time the past 84 years to retain a majority of its original scripted luster. A number of first-day mailing envelopes for the inductees were issued for that momentous day including "June 12, 1939 Cooperstown" as well as "FIRST DAY OF ISSUE" postal stamps, and in this case, a scarce black & white image of the HOF inductee situated within the upper left quadrant. The classic Ruth image portrays the Bambino in his Dodgers coaching uniform, with Ruth spending time as a Brooklyn coach during the 1938 campaign. Emanating outstanding aesthetics, the envelope has eluded any obtrusive flaws (other than some expected toning), and of utmost significance, reflects the bold signature of baseball's undisputed greatest all-time player. Ruth's quintessential combination of batting and pitching skills will never be matched again, with his colossal round-trippers and unparalleled persona paving the way for collectibles such as this historically significant offering meriting the highest hobby accolades!

MIN BID $2,000
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