1924 Babe Ruth Single-Signed Baseball with Provenance - JSA

Presented is an exceptionally attractive, red-and-green stitched D & M brand “Official League Ball” signed by Babe Ruth across the sweet spot. Ruth’s vintage blue fountain pen signature contrasts beautifully against the light surface background. This ball has a unique provenance and is accompanied by a one-page typed-signed letter detailing its history. On October 21, 1924, Babe Ruth, along with Yankees teammate Bob Meusel, traveled to Portland, Oregon, to take part in an exhibition game between two local clubs at Vaughn Street Park. One of the thousands of fans in attendance that day was Grace Tarbell, whose grandfather was the groundskeeper at the field. Following the game, Tarbell was able to go down on the field and meet Ruth and Meusel. It was there that Tarbell then had the players sign two balls for her. One ball was signed by just Ruth and the second by both players (offered as a separate lot in the current auction). The ball is accompanied by both a one-page notarized letter of provenance signed by Timothy E. McCrary, Grace Tarbell's son, as well as a full LOA from James Spence/JSA, which has certified the autograph. According to McCrary's letter (which can be viewed on our website), this ball has been a family heirloom since the day it was acquired. In full:These two baseballs have been in our family's possession since they were autographed on October 21st, 1924. Our mother, Grace Tarbell, was a 7 year old park rat at the Vaughn Street Ballpark in Portland Oregon. It was home to the Portland Beavers of the Pacific Coast league. her Grandfather, Edward William (Big Ed) Krentlehr, was the groundskeeper there. She grew up loving baseball, and on this day Babe Ruth and Bob Meusel were playing on one of their barnstorming tours, and on opposing teams instead of members of the New York Yankee Murderer's Row. One on the Elks team and the other on the Gul Reazee Grotto (Masons) team. They played half the game on one team and then switched. One ball was new, signed by just Ruth, and the other was a Babe Ruth home run ball signed by both. Both of these baseball were in our Mother's possession until she passed in 1982. They then went to our brother who gave them to me to put in my safe. They have been a cherished part of our family, but it's time they go to someone else to enjoy.This is a particularly attractive style ball, and all of the manufacturer’s stampings remain remarkably bold and distinct. The ball has very light toning and is in overall Excellent condition. The demand for Ruth single-signed baseballs continues to be one of the great stories of our hobby and fully attests to Ruth’s status as the greatest sports idol in American history. This is an outstanding example of that most coveted relic. Full LOA from James Spence/JSA. Opening Bid $10,000.

Spring 2023 - Item detail

1924 Babe Ruth Single-Signed Baseball with Provenance - JSA