This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 6/30/2005.
From humble beginnings on the Baltimore waterfront and reform school to accolades as the most famous athlete of all-time, Babe Ruth is a true American hero. Alternating between pitcher and catcher on the St. Mary's varsity baseball team as young teenager, Ruth was spotted by scout Jack Dunn, who owned the Baltimore Orioles (at that time a minor league affiliate of the Red Sox). Dunn immediately signed Ruth to a contract, and when other players saw Ruth for the first time they referred to him as "Jack's newest babe." Thus was born the name "Babe" Ruth. Ruth's early career with the Red Sox saw him become the ace of the pitching staff, and in the 1916 World Series Ruth pitched 13 straight scoreless innings in the longest complete game in the history of the World Series. The record still stands today. Moving on to the Yankees in 1924, the Ruth legend began to emerge. He was so successful that the Yankees were able to build a new stadium, still known today as "The house that Ruth built." The Babe was the highest-paid player of his era, and when told by a reporter that the $80,000 salary he received in 1930 had exceeded that of the President of the United States (Herbert Hoover), Ruth was alleged to have said, "I had a better year than he did." Ruth was the first player to hit 30, 40, 50, and 60 home runs in a season. Over a six year period from 1926-1931, Ruth averaged more than 50 homers a year. He was the first to hit four homers in a single World Series. His career home run record of 714 was later surpassed by Hank Aaron, but it is unlikely that his .690 lifetime slugging percentage will ever be topped - only Ted Williams has even come close. Released by the Yankees in 1935 and picked up by the Braves, Ruth hit his last three home runs in a single game. This OAL Harridge baseball has been signed in blue fountain pen on the sweet spot by Babe Ruth. The ball shows even overall toning with a bold signature that grades a near 9. Accompanied by a LOA from Jimmy Spence of PSA/DNA.