Circa 1927/1928 Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig Original Barnstorming-Tour Photograph - PSA/DNA Type I - From the Christy Walsh Estate

Sold For:

$2,160

Year:

1927

Auction:

2020 Spring

Lot #:

2002

Category:

Original Photography

Original photo capturing Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth in either 1927 or 1928 during the famous "Bustin' Babes and Larraupin' Lous" postseason barnstorming tour. Encapsulated and certified as an original Type I photograph by PSA/DNA. The photo pictures Ruth and Gehrig posing on the field with members of the local "Bustin' Babes" team, as well as tour promoter Christy Walsh. A "Christy Walsh Management" credit stamp appears on the reverse. The Bustin' Babes and Larrupin' Lou's barnstorming tour was the brainchild of Christy Walsh, who was Ruth and Gehrig's longtime agent. In 1927 Walsh, in order to capitalize on the excitement generated by the duo's season-long home-run duel, arranged to have the pair tour the country right after the World Series. The tour, heralded as "Ruth vs. Gehrig - The Battle For The Home Run Title Continues," began in New York and made its away across the country, ending in California. To ensure its success, Walsh wisely scheduled nearly all of the games in cities without Major League clubs, thus providing those fans with a rare opportunity to see the two stars in person. Walsh also arranged it so that Ruth and Gehrig were the only two players traveling to each town. Their respective teams at each venue were made up of local players. The tour was such a huge success (most games ended prematurely due to fans rushing onto the field to get closer to their idols) that it was repeated again in 1928 with equal fanfare. Because no year is listed, we cannot determine exactly where or when this particular photo was taken. Regardless, photos from either year are scarce, especially team images. The photo (10 x 8 inches) two small chips in the lower left and right corners, and a small tear along the top border. In Very Good condition overall. Reserve $500. Estimate (open).