(LOT 189)
Iconic June 13, 1948 "Yankee Stadium 25th Anniversary Celebration" – Babe Ruth's Final Appearance at Yankee Stadium PSA Type 1 Encapsulated Keystone View Co. Photo – Measures Approx. 6" x 9"
Who could ever forget the emotions spilling out from Yankee Stadium on June 13, 1948 when a packed house of nearly 50,000 fans filled the seats to see the Stadium's 25th anniversary celebration. What made this day extra special was the immortal Babe Ruth would be in attendance and in full uniform, most likely making his final appearance at the house that he himself built some 25 years ago. Gravely ailing from throat cancer, Ruth would step onto the field donning his retired #3 uniform via the Cleveland Indians dugout, who were playing the Yankees that renowned afternoon. Interestingly enough, Cleveland's fire-balling Hall of Famer Bob Feller would be pitching against the Bronx Bombers that day, and while Rabid Bob was loosening up in the bullpen, the Sultan of Swat reached for one of Feller's bats to assist him in stepping onto the field.

Severely weakened by the cancer that would claim his life only two months later on August 16, 1948, Ruth utilized the bat as a cane, little realizing that it was Bob Feller's personal lumber. This superb 6" x 9" Keystone View Co. (credit stamp on verso) PSA Type 1 Photo brings that historic moment to life, portraying the great Bambino tipping his cap to the captivated Yankee fans via his right hand, while leaning on Feller's bat with his left hand (the bat is virtually hidden behind Ruth's left leg). While we are sure there wasn't a dry eye in the house that fabled day, likewise, this legendary offering could bring a tear to the eye of any compassionate collector. While the illustration is somewhat compromised by an abundance of stray wrinkles across the upper region as well as across the photo's center area, the awe-inspiring central Ruthian image still retains outstanding eye appeal.

As a rather anti-climax, the Yankees would go on to beat Bob Feller and Cleveland by a 5-3 score. Yet, most significantly, that would also be the day New York Herald Tribune photographer Nat Fein would take the iconic "Babe Bows Out" image revealing Ruth donning his hallowed #3 jersey at home plate, ultimately resulting in a Pulitzer Prize for Fein. Bob Feller would eventually retrieve the historic bat Ruth used for a cane (buying it back from Barry Halper for $95,000), and donate it to the Bob Feller Museum in Van Meter, Iowa where it still resides today. Not only would this momentous June 13, 1948 day be Ruth's final appearance at Yankee Stadium, but as it turns out, it would be his last public appearance period. A simply magnificent heirloom, it serves as a steadfast reminder of how the majestic George Herman Ruth will forever be considered baseball's greatest player, with his diamond exploits and unparalleled mystique to forever stand the test of time!

MIN BID $300
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