1926 Babe Ruth Original Drake University Football Photograph

Sold For:

$990

Year:

1935

Auction:

2021 Fall

Lot #:

2198

Category:

Football Cards or Memorabilia

Fascinating original news photo capturing Babe Ruth as a member of the Drake University football team. Ruth is pictured in a full football uniform wearing a leather helmet and with the ball in his hands. In 1926, during the university's homecoming activities, a scrimmage football game was organized to entertain attendees. Head coach Ossie Solem invited Ruth, who happened to be in Des Moines barnstorming after the regular season, to participate in the event. Ruth agreed to make an appearance, and the offered photo captures that historical afternoon. Two credit stamps appear on the reverse (one being "The Christy Walsh Syndicate"), along with the notation "Left to right/'Babe' Ruth/Capt. Gail Fry/Chuck Everett/The 'Babe' worked out with the Drake squad" written in black ink. The photo (10 x 8 inches) displays a small diagonal crease in the upper-left corner, a small chip on the left edge, and the number "8" noted in red ink on back. In Very Good to Excellent condition. Reserve $500.