This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/10/2010
Graded by PSA NM-MT 8. There is no denying the charisma, charm and athletic ability of one George Herman "Babe" Ruth. While the first line on the back of this card states, "Greatest of all home run hitters," Ruth's baseball appeal goes beyond his home run exploits. Before spending the rest of his career in the batters box, Ruth was a well established pitcher. He owns a career 94-46 record, 2.28 ERA, two seasons of 300+ innings pitched and is 11th all time in career winning percentage. That is a baseball player! Tremendous appeal to all fans, but especially children. That is why it is appropriate that his final distributed card was a gum issue, desired by the same children he adored. The 1948-49 Leaf set is one of the most unique sets ever issued. Skip numbered throughout, with a nice mix of retired players, current stars, single prints and many Hall of Famers. This Ruth offering is a super nice example of this desirable card. Near perfect centering, four NM-MT corners, and a radiant burnt-orange background, surround the unmistakable image that is Ruth. Very, very minor prints flecks are noticeable within the orange, and a small print circle in the name plate are mentioned for the sake of accuracy. The balance of the surface is superb with four smooth edges. The reverse is free of any flaws and is perfectly centered. This Ruth issue, while not distributed during his playing years, allows this high grade card to be more affordable to the standard collector.