1927 Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, and Eddie Collins Original News Photograph - PSA/DNA Type I

Sold For:

$2,340

Year:

1927

Auction:

2020 Spring

Lot #:

2001

Category:

Original Photography

Original news photograph capturing Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, and Eddie Collins on the field in 1927. Encapsulated and certified as an original Type I photograph by PSA/DNA. A crossed out "Herbert Photos" credit stamp appears on the reverse, along with a Culver Pictures credit stamp. A vintage handwritten pencil notation on the reverse reads “All Star Trio – Ty Cobb – Babe Ruth and Eddie Collins – at Yankee Stadium Opening Day of season – 4/12/27.” This is a photo with a story. Although Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb were two of the greatest players in the history of the game, they did not get along personally and waged one of baseball's longest-running and most famous "feuds." However, both players obviously took great pains to hide their animosity towards each other in front of the camera. That fact is evident in this spectacular original photo of the two posing together, along with Eddie Collins, on opening day of the 1927 season at Yankee Stadium. This momentary truce between the two legends took place behind the batting cage prior to the game and the incongruity of the pose is epitomized by the nonplussed expression on Collins’ face as he observes their obligatory pre-game handshake. The feud between Ruth and Cobb was fueled by Cobb’s jealousy of Ruth’s fame during the early 1920s. Cobb disdained the advent of the “live” ball and the new “home run” hitters it produced, and he especially hated all the attention Ruth was getting as he broke record after record. This photo captures the pair at the polar opposites of their respective careers. Ruth was about to embark on the greatest season ever enjoyed by a player, while Cobb was just one year short of retirement. Although individual photos of Ruth and Cobb, are plentiful, those picturing them together are extremely rare. This is one of the finest examples we have ever seen, especially with regard to photographic quality and appearance. The photo (8 x 10 inches), which offers exceptional clarity and contrast, displays light-to-moderate creasing (mainly in the corner areas) and a few tiny surface marks. A few small pieces of clear tape are applied to the reverse. In Very Good to Excellent condition overall. Reserve $300. Estimate (open).