This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 5/21/2006.
The most celebrated athlete of his generation, Babe Ruth's fame extends far beyond the game of baseball; he was a true legend. Widely considered to be the greatest all around athlete of all-time, he was the first great slugger in the history of baseball and a charter member of the Hall of Fame. He 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. Having hit "only" 25 home runs in 1925, many in the press suggested that the Sultan of Swat was past his prime, but the Babe would soon change that opinion. His best years, apparently, had not yet arrived. In 1926, the Bambino batted an extraordinarily impressive .372 with an astonishing .516 on base percentage. With 184 hits and 146 RBIs, he also managed to belt out 47 homers to lead the league, which he would do 12 times in his career. He even batted .304 career as a pitcher! Perhaps his most famous record is that of 60 home runs in a season. The "Sultan of Swat" averaged over 50 homers a season from 1926 to 1931, hitting a home run once every 12 plate appearances on average. His career slugging percentage of .690 is far ahead that of runner up Ted Williams (.634). Babe Ruth's signature is by far the most popular and sought after autograph in the hobby today. It is of course most prized on a baseball, representing the game that made him a household name around the world. This cream colored Reach OAL Harridge baseball has been single signed on the sweet spot in fountain pen by the "Bambino" himself, Babe Ruth. The ball shows even toning with very light wear on the League/President's stamp and manufacturer's stamp. The stitching is tight and flawless. The ball and signature have been graded by James Spence Authentication, with the item condition grading an 8 and the signature grading a 7. Accompanied by a LOA from James Spence Authentication.