This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/5/2022
Babe Ruth’s move to New York in 1920 triggered a nationwide fascination with the ballplayer. Famed baseball photographer Paul Thompson was among the pros eager to capture the game’s biggest star in action. In this original 1920 photo Thompson captures Ruth beginning the first leg of his home run trot. The setting is New York’s Polo Grounds, and the vintage advertising makes a wonderful backdrop as Ruth rounds first base. Going by the handwritten note on the back, Thompson intended this to be part of a series showing Ruth at various points after he hit one of his trademark home runs.
The reverse carries the Paul Thompson stamping along with a handwritten pencil notation reading, “First lap of the home run journey – Rounding 1st.” The back also features “The Ring, Inc.” stamping. The image displays beautifully and is in immaculate condition. The 6-1/2” by 8-1/2” photograph has been encapsulated and graded Type I by PSA/DNA.