(LOT 246)
1915 Babe Ruth Rookie Image Issued by the Associated Press in 1935 - PSA Type 4 Encapsulated – Measures Approx. 8" x 10"
RUTH ROOKIE IMAGE!!!... George Herman "Babe" Ruth photo could possibly match the prestige of a 1915 rookie image depicting the incomparable Babe in his Boston Red Sox flannels, with a Type 1 rookie Ruth image selling for nearly $500K in 2023! That said, presented here is a full-body illustration of the immortal Ruth during his hallowed days in Beantown, portraying his classic Bo-Sox pitching pose. Although this is not a period photo, restruck by the popular Associated Press in 1935 as a wire photo and deemed a PSA Type 4 illustration, it still resides as an authentic 1915 Ruth rookie image originally released during the Bambino's inaugural full season in Boston. Ruth's remarkable 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 29-2/3 consecutive scoreless innings (since then broken by Whitey Ford in the early 1960s).

Ruth's uncanny batting prowess, which led to an unprecedented number of home runs, ultimately displaced him from 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 to fund his Broadway musical comedy No, No, Nanette that the Sultan of Swat captivated an entire nation via his unparalleled batting exploits. This 8" x 10" 1915 image reveals fine contrast and clarity as the mighty Ruth releases one of his seemingly unhittable pitches that led to him posting 18 victories in his 1915 rookie campaign. The central image is uncompromised and has eluded any obtrusive flaws, with this budding superstar completely unaware of the unprecedented future he was about to embark on. For purposes of full disclosure, there is an upper right corner chip and evidence of edge trimming along the entire perimeter, a common practice for an abundance of pre-WWI photos. The verso reveals the critical Associated Press Wire credit stamp with an additional "AP WIRE PHOTO" text box situated near the obverse side's lower left corner.

A significant newspaper clipping is affixed over a portion of the AP credit stamp, reading as follows: "BACKWARD, TURN BACKWARD-New York Feb 27. - This earnest young pitcher is George Herman Ruth, more familiarly known as "Babe", in a Red Sox uniform, before he clouted his way to baseball immortality. That was twenty-one years ago and now the "Babe" is returning to the scene of his first love. Can you recognize the slugger in this slim youth?" If you are seeking a bona fide 1915 Babe Ruth rookie image at an affordable price, this is the photo for you, with its Type 4 pedigree and 1935 issue date likely placing it at a pricing point that stands as a fraction of the whopping value for any Type 1 Babe Ruth 1915 rookie photo. One look at this historical masterpiece truly 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
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