This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/21/2017.
Hall of Famers Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth had drastically different styles at the plate, but each was an unstoppable hitter in their own right. Preceding Ruth into the Major Leagues by over 10 years, Cobb had established himself as one of the game's fiercest hitters, pioneering the "inside" bunting style and hitting the ball to the gaps for extra bases. Ruth began to come on strong in 1919, becoming the first and arguably the best true home run hitter in baseball history. Official League Wilson baseball in VG-EX condition. Ruth has signed on the west panel in black ink and in our opinion the signature rates a 6. Cobb has boldly signed on the south panel also in black ink and in our opinion the signature rates an 8. This ball was sourced directly by the family of the player who participated in the 1945 Esquire All American Baseball Game. The managers of the game were Ruth and Cobb. After the completion of the game, this player nervously approached both Ruth and Cobb to have them autograph a baseball which they gladly did. When the player returned home, he gave the baseball to the family of our consignor. This family has kept the ball safely for over 72 years and now we are proud to offer this incredibly rare piece of baseball history. Accompanied by a LOA from PSA/DNA, a Family LOP detailing the story of how they received the ball, and a Beckett LOA. Also accompanied by a copy of the program from that 1945 Esquire All American game with the family having kept the original as a memento.