This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/27/2012
Babe Ruth began the 1915 season with the Boston Red Sox as part of a pitching rotation that included Joe Wood, Dutch Leonard, Ernie Shore, and Rube Foster. Only 20 years of age, Ruth won a total of 18 games and helped Boston into the World Series, where they beat Philadelphia in 5 games to win the fall classic. Measuring 7 1/2" x 9" in dimension, this blockbuster image depicts Ruth in a full body pose, warming up before the start of that series. Most apparent is his svelte appearance. Ruth was a tremendous athlete and could do it all on the field. Most people today think of him as only a power hitter, and while he was known for hitting home runs, he had all the skills necessary to be called a "Five Tool Player." It seems clear to me, that had Ruth not shown so much potential as a hitter, he would still have been honored in Cooperstown as one of the greatest pitchers of all time. The offered image has great balance and symmetry while exhibiting amazing clarity and fine detailed features. A high grade photo overall, there are a few wrinkles and/or light creases along the bottom and right edge which are hardly noticeable unless closely scrutinized, but are mentioned for accuracy. The reverse bares the Underwood and Underwood credit line and stampings as well as pencil notations identifying the subject. The words "Do Not Remove - File Copy" have also been stamped twice on verso and subsequently appear on the front of the image in a raised format. Fortunately they do not break the surface of the paper stock and merely lend to the overall genuineness and legitimacy of the item as a Type I - 1st generation photograph. An LOA from PSA/DNA accompanies this titanic image which in my estimation is unrivaled in the world of vintage sports photography. This is the one to own!