1927 Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig Original News Photo - PSA/DNA Type 1

Sold For:

$711

Year:

1927

Auction:

2013 Spring

Lot #:

1288

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

Original news photo capturing Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig sitting on the sidelines as they watch the football game between Notre Dame and USC held at Chicago's Soldier's Field on November 26, 1927. Encapsulated and certified as a "Type 1 Original News Service Photograph" by PSA/DNA. While Ruth and Gehrig seem uninterested in the photographer's attention, the young boys behind them, all dressed in their football uniforms, are more than happy to mug for the camera. The 1927 college football game between perennial powerhouses Notre Dame and USC was one of the most highly anticipated games of the year and newspaperman Christy Walsh, who was also the agent for Ruth and Gehrig, couldn't resist having Ruth and Gehrig involved in the publicity. In the days leading up to the game Walsh even had Ruth and Gehrig don football uniforms of the respective clubs and pose for pictures with Notre Dame coach Knute Rockne. Walsh then made sure Ruth and Gehrig had seats on the Notre Dame sideline for the game to facilitate photo opportunities such as this. The gentleman seated to Gehrig's left is Joe Bihler, who was Walsh's right-hand man and the person probably responsible for looking after Ruth and Gehrig during the game. A "Wide World Photo" news stamp appears on the reverse. The original paper caption is no longer present. The photo (10 x 8 inches) displays a chip in the lower left corner and a heavy diagonal crease (2.5 inches) extending downward from the top border that has been reinforced by clear tape on the reverse. In Very Good condition overall. Reserve $200. Estimate $500+. SOLD FOR $711.00