This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/11/2016
Issued the year after Ruth joined the New York Yankees with "R. F. - New York Americans" under his name, the offered card from the 1921 E121 series is actually a very popular issue because, even though Ruth had already shattered the record books with 54 homers, 135 RBI and a .376 batting average in his first season with the Yankees, the image still depicts Ruth as a pitcher for the Red Sox. The six seasons in Boston established Ruth as one of the top pitchers in the American League, building an 89-46 record with a 2.19 ERA, but the Yankees saw much greater value in Ruth's body of work as a hitter, averaging over 22 homers, 102 RBI and a .308 batting average per 500 at-bats. Of course, with the consistency of being able to reach the plate every day, Ruth's offensive numbers rose to heights that no one could have expected. So in 1921, when this American Caramel released this card, Babe Ruth was already the greatest player that ever lived and was still years away from reaching his prime! Expertly centered with precise registration, while the corners each have moderate rounding commensurate with the assessed grade. A small spot of missing paper can be seen just below the elbow of Ruth's throwing arm. A wonderful early card of the greatest player the game has ever known offered in satisfying VG condition.