This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/27/2023
Babe Ruth’s arrival in New York began his unprecedented ascension from American baseball star to international sports icon. This 1920 original photograph depicts the Great Bambino in action during his monumental debut season with the Yankees in which he set a booming record of 54 home runs, more than any other AL team! The photo, taken at Griffith Stadium in Washington D.C., wonderfully captures the majestic power that went into Babe’s mighty swing as he follows through on what was presumably another dinger.
This Type 1 photograph paints a perfect picture of what our National Pastime was like back in 1920, with historic Griffith Stadium presenting a beautiful bright, sunny backdrop. Early game action shots are quite rare, particularly one at such a side angle that shows the full scope of the stadium's stands and facades. You can tell that Babe got a hold of one, judged by the reactions from the catcher and umpire. Measuring 7-3/4” by 9-7/8”, the gorgeous sepia image has some toning throughout and slight staining that partially came directly from the original negative, but overall it presents in great shape with a relatively smooth, crease-free surface. The reverse is blank and with a few light spot stains. The photograph has been encapsulated Type 1 by PSA/DNA, and is the only Type 1 of this image that exists.