Sotheby’s & Goldin Auctions Present: A Century of Champions

Sotheby’s & Goldin Auctions Present: A Century of Champions

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 10. 1942-45 Babe Ruth Single Signed OAL Harridge Baseball (JSA).

1942-45 Babe Ruth Single Signed OAL Harridge Baseball (JSA)

Lot Closed

December 7, 07:16 PM GMT

Estimate

20,000 - 30,000 USD

Lot Details

Description

1942-45 Babe Ruth Single Signed OAL Harridge Baseball (JSA)


Babe Ruth spent World War II doing everything in his power to support the war effort. The world’s most famous ballplayer crisscrossed the country to appear at war bonds benefits and visit the troops. In one of those war bond benefits in August of 1942, the Babe clubbed what would be his final home run in Yankee Stadium, a towering upper deck shot hit off fellow Hall of Famer Walter Johnson. The following year the Babe made an appearance in Fenway Park, competing in a home run contest against Ted Williams. At some point during the war years, Ruth signed this exemplary 1942-1945 period Reach Official American League ball. The signature, signed in bold blue fountain pen, appears in Ruth’s customary position on the ball’s sweet spot. The ball shows overall toning from age with some surface scuffing and light staining, possibly from use prior to being signed. Single signed Ruth balls are considered by many to be the quintessential piece of baseball memorabilia, and this is certainly one of the more attractive examples. This ball comes with a LOA from JSA (Z33383) for the signature.