1934 Babe Ruth Single-Signed Ball

Official American League (Harridge) ball signed across the sweet spot by Babe Ruth. Outstanding single-signed Ruth ball! The signature is very boldly scripted in black fountain pen and grades a solid "8." The ball is moderately soiled and also displays a few very tiny abrasions, none of which affect the signature. The manufacturer's stampings are light, but legible. The fact that this ball displays evidence of former use is consistent with its history. According to a former owner of the ball, who has provided a letter detailing its history (which accompanies), his uncle personally obtained Ruth's signature on this ball following a Yankees game. The uncle had been lucky enough to catch a foul ball that day, and he thought of no better way to commemorate his good fortune than by tracking Ruth down for his autograph after the game. When he finally did catch up with the legendary slugger, Ruth was more than obliging, as evidenced by the strong signature example here. While the letter did not specifically mention the year the ball was obtained, given what we know, it can only date from the 1934 season. The ball itself, based upon stampings, dates from the 1934-1939 manufacturing period, but during that six-year span Ruth was only with the Yankees in 1934. Therefore, if the uncle's story is correct (and we strongly believe that it is), then this ball conclusively and precisely dates to Ruth's final season in pinstripes. This is not only an outstanding Ruth single-signed ball, and one that dates from a historic year, but one with a rare and credible documentation of family provenance as well. LOA from James Spence/JSA. Reserve $2,000. Estimate $4,000++. SOLD FOR $9,988

Spring 2010 - Item detail

1934 Babe Ruth Single-Signed Ball