(LOT 5)
1934 Tour of Japan Complete Team-Signed Baseball with Ruth, Gehrig, Foxx & Berg PSA/DNA LOA
BABE'S TOUR OF JAPAN!!! As tensions lingered between the United States and the Empire of Japan during the 1930s, Major League Baseball coordinated another Tour of Japan, in which ballplayers would again promote the game of baseball throughout the country, this time headlined by the immortal Babe Ruth. Though five previous tours were very successful, the 1934 Tour of Japan was a veritable Who's Who of baseball greats, this time consisting of only American Leaguers. The National League voted not to send its players for fear of injury. However, the Bambino's presence stole the show along with teammates Lou Gehrig, 26-game winner Lefty Gomez, two-time MVP Jimmie Foxx, and fellow Hall of Fame inductees Charley Gehringer, Earl Averill and coach/manager Connie Mack.

The All-American team, playing the All-Nippon team (now the Yomiuri Giants), played 18 games, of which the U.S. won all by well over 100 runs (171-36). Ruth hit 13 home runs in 18 games. On occasion, a relic from that extraordinary goodwill tour that turned ballplayers into ambassadors will emerge and the offered 1934 Tour of Japan team-signed baseball is one such remarkable heirloom. This incredibly well-preserved sphere remains in superior condition with the signatures virtually as bold and strong as the day they were penned. Babe Ruth has inked his autograph dead center on the sweet spot in a deep, rich black fountain pen, and Lou Gehrig and Jimmie Foxx are strikingly visible when looking straight on at Ruth. The north panel features Foxx, Gehringer, Averill and pitcher Clint Brown. The east panel holds heavy autos of Frank Hayes, Connie Mack and Lou Gehrig. South carries the date "1934" from an unknown hand with Doc Ebling, F. (Lefty) O'Doul, Eric McNair and Bing Miller.

The final west panel presents international spy More Berg, John Quinn, Rabbitt, Warstler, Joe Cascarella and Lefty Gomez with Earl Whitehill occupying the reverse sweet spot. This breathtaking multi-signed 1934 Tour of Japan baseball remains in spectacular EX-MT condition with only the slightest of discolorations scattered about the horsehide. With every player from that historic tour present on this ball, all incredibly legible, bold and minty, this is one of the finest 1934 Tour of Japan baseballs we have ever seen.

MIN BID $5,000