This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/31/2005.
The most celebrated athlete of his generation, Babe Ruth's fame extends far beyond the game of baseball. Ruth exemplified the ultimate in sportsmanship and athleticism, and was a hero of mythic proportions to youngsters and adults from all walks of life. 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. 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 hit 60 homers in 1927, a feat not surpassed until 1961. He averaged over 50 homers a season from 1926 to 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). Ruth is still tops in career walks (2056) and single season total bases (457). This 8" x 10" vintage portrait photograph is signed and inscribed in black fountain pen by Babe Ruth, who wrote "To my good friends, Marie + Pat, From Babe Ruth." The photo shows some small, barely noticeable cracks, none of which are near or take away from the bold inscription and signature, which grades a 9. Only some minor rubbing on the "R" in "Ruth" and the "+" in "Marie + Pat" keep this from being a perfect 10. The photo has been mated and framed to 18 1/2" x 22" with a 5" x 7" black and white photo of a young Ruth at the plate. Accompanied by a LOA from James Spence Authentication.