This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/10/2001.
This Babe Ruth signed ball dates back to the 1930s. The ball is an OAL Harridge bearing the name of the AL president who assumed office in 1931. On a side panel, "The Bambino" inscribed, "To John Van Arsdale, From Babe Ruth" in black fountain pen. The red and blue stitched ball is mottled by wear markings and minor staining, yet Ruth's always larger than life signature comes through like a freight train, big and bold and vibrantly Babe-like. Even though the letters "abe" has faded somewhat, "Ruth" is dark and distinct with a more stylish flair than in most Babe autographs, and overall the signature rates a good 6.