Circa 1915 Babe Ruth Original Photograph PSA/DNA Type I - Rookie Image!

Sold For:

$186,000

Year:

1915

Auction:

2021 Summer

Lot #:

2078

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

Original photograph of Babe Ruth as a member of the Boston Red Sox dating from his 1915 rookie season. Encapsulated and certified as an original Type I photograph by PSA/DNA. Taken in 1915, this International Film Service photo captures Babe Ruth during his first full season with the Boston Red Sox. Not yet the idol of millions, a slender Ruth is seen here in uniform as he pensively gazes away from the camera. Ruth began his Major League career as a pitcher, compiling an 18-6 record in 1915. Despite his dominance on the mound that year, it was his performance at the plate that was noteworthy. In a foreshadowing of things to come, Ruth batted .315 with a team-high four home runs (the league leader had seven) and twenty-one RBI in only ninety-two at bats. If those numbers were prorated over the course of a full season, Ruth would have had nearly twenty-four home runs and 126 RBI. Obviously, changes would soon be in the works. Just five years later, the young man in this captivating photo would become the greatest star the game has ever known and the most famous athlete of the twentieth century. The photo (6.5 x 8.5 inches) bears the International Film Service stamp on the reverse, as well as a number of editorial pencil notations. This photo originates from the Baseball Magazine archives and bears a hologram sticker on the reverse that was placed there by Christie's auction house during its sale of the archives in 1996. The photo displays four pinholes in the border areas, a small spot of color added to the background (to the left of Ruth's head), and several tiny surface indentations on his uniform (mentioned for accuracy). Despite the minor flaws, the photo retains an Excellent appearance. This is a spectacular original Ruth news photo displaying one of the earliest known Major League images of the legendary "Sultan of Swat." Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Reserve $10,000.