This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/14/2024
The 1926 Yankees finished 3 games in front of the Indians for their fourth pennant in six years. With 47 home runs to his credit that summer, Babe Ruth was the undisputed star of the team. Yet, when it came to the World Series against the Cardinals, the Babe was uncharacteristally handcuffed by one St. Louis pitcher in particular. Grover Cleveland Alexander was at the end of his Hall of Fame career, but he had the Babe’s number in the 7-game series. In 8 at bats Ruth failed to get a hit off Alexander. This photo captures the Babe at bat in Game 2 when he faced Alexander in the 6th inning. The photograph has been cleverly framed so that the only figures visible are Ruth, catcher Bob O’Farrell and umpire Hank O'Day. According to the box score, Alexander was able to get Ruth to hit a weak grounder to 2nd baseman Rogers Hornsby for the 2nd out of the inning. Alexander was magnificent in the game, allowing the powerful Yankees lineup just 4 hits in his complete game win. The Cardinals would eventually win the series in seven games, again due to Alexander’s mound heroics when he came out of the bullpen in Game 7 to hold the Yankees hitless for 2.1 innings to preserve a 3-2 lead for the game win and championship. The photo has been printed to its edges. There is toning throughout along with some edge chipping and several creases around its edges. “RUTH” has been handwritten beside the Babe’s image twice. The reverse is covered with Brown Brothers stamps and production marks in several colors. An “Oct 4 1926” stamp is present as is the original caption slug. The photo has been encapsulated and graded a Type 1 by PSA.