This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 5/16/2007.
Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth had drastically different styles behind the plate, but each was an unstoppable hitter in their own right. Preceding Ruth into the Major Leagues by over 10 years, Cobb had established himself as one of the game's fiercest hitters, pioneering the "inside" bunting style and hitting the ball to the gaps for extra bases. Ruth began to come on strong in 1919, becoming the first and arguably the best true home run hitter in baseball history. Cobb was appalled not only because Ruth was eclipsing him in popularity and statistics but also because Ruth had changed the game; fans started coming to the games to immerse themselves in the excitement of the home run rather than the strategy of Cobb's cunning style of play which featured the "hit and run." In early 1925 after speaking to a reporter who claimed he couldn't hit home runs, Cobb decided that enough was enough. Cobb stated that it was easy to hit home runs if one so chose, and he was going to prove it! Over the next two games Cobb belted five homers to tie Cap Anson's record and recorded 16 total bases to set a new record. Having proved that he could hit a home run on command, Cobb went back to his normal slugging style. This red and blue stitched ostensibly Official League baseball (the League/President's stamp and manufacturer's stamp have worn off) has been signed in black fountain pen on the top panel by Ty Cobb. The sweet spot right below has been signed in black fountain pen by Babe Ruth, so the ball from the top down reads "To Kenneth Hildebrandt, From Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth." The "From" and "and" were not written by Cobb or Ruth but possibly by the recipient in order to further personalize the ball. The bottom panel has been dated "Nov-8-31," unknown in whose hand this is written. Ball shows deep toning with a darker overall color with a large Ruth signature that grades an overall 7 to 8 and a Cobb signature and inscription that grades an overall 7. This is an extremely rare signed baseball, as it is uncommon to find these great rivals on the same ball. Accompanied by a LOA from JSA.