This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/10/2004.
The most celebrated athlete of his generation, Babe Ruth's fame extends far beyond the game of baseball, a true legend. Ruth exemplified the ultimate in sportsmanship and athleticism, and was a hero of mythic proportions to youngsters and adults from all walks of life. The Babe spent his formative years (7-19) at St. Mary's Industrial School For Boys, which was an orphanage and reformatory. Showing an early talent for baseball, he was spotted by Red Sox minor league manager Jack Dunn, who immediately signed him to a contract. The rest, as they say, is history. Referred to by his teammates as "Jack's newest babe," he was known as "The Babe" ever since. A star from the start, pitching in his first World Series game in 1916 for the Red Sox, Ruth pitched the longest complete game in World Series history, 14 innings (13 of them scoreless). Ruth was sold to the Yankees in 1919 in the most infamous trade in baseball history - owner Harry Frazee received $125,000 and a $350,000 loan to finance his Broadway dreams. The Red Sox have not won a World Series since, having won five World Series in the 19 year history of the American League up to that time. This fateful fact has been immortalized in the phrase "The curse of the Bambino." The Yankees, however, have in the meantime won 26 World Series and 39 pennants. In his first season as a Yankee (1920), Ruth belted a whopping 54 home runs, far surpassing his own record of 29. The "Sultan of Swat" went on to hit 60 homers in 1927, a feat not surpassed until 1961. He averaged over 50 homers a season from 1926-1931, hitting a home run on average once every 12 plate appearances. His career slugging percentage of .690 is far ahead of runner up Ted Williams (.634). Everything about the man was larger than life, both on and off the field. His grand achievements on the diamond were equaled by his legendary appetite and ego outside the stadium - he was equally adept at spending hours and hours with needy children as he was for belting a baseball hundreds of feet over the fence. Though many of his records have since been broken, the most famous being the single season home run record, Ruth is still tops in career walks (2056), single season walks (170), single season total bases (457), and those aforementioned. Such a great player was he that he was among the first five players inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1936. Diagnosed with throat cancer in 1946, he lived only two more years and upon his death lay in state at Yankee Stadium, "The house that Ruth built." We offer a Reach OAL Harridge baseball, with "U.S." stamp denoting WWII production. The ball shows light overall, even toning. The Harridge and Reach stamps show some bleeding. The ball has been signed in fountain pen on the sweet spot by Babe Ruth. We believe that this is easily the most beautiful Babe Ruth signed baseball that has ever been offered in the hobby, we have never seen another with a signature that is so clean, bold and crisp - simply perfect! Upon viewing an electronic image of the ball several months ago, prior to final authentication, the renowned Jimmy Spence of PSA/DNA stated emphatically that "this is one of the nicest Ruth singles I have ever laid my eyes upon." During the actual in-person examination, Mr. Spence further stated "Oh my God, what a blazer!" This may be the only opportunity to own a Babe Ruth of such high quality, making the lucky winner the envy of the entire hobby. Comes with a letter from PSA/DNA.