In March of 1947, less than a year and a half before his death, Babe Ruth attended a party in New York City hosted by a local restaurateur named Jack Musante. According to Musante's daughter (our consignor), The Babe had already built up a solid friendship with her father having eaten at his restaurant quite frequently over the years. Apparently, Mr. Musante's parties were popular among many celebrities, not just Ruth, because he acquired many valuable signatures in his guestbook album from previous years' attendees.
Presented here are three guest list pages (six sides) packed with autographs from various ballplayers and important baseball dignitaries, headlined by the Sultan of Swat who inscribed his message, "Had a Lovely Time - Sincerely - Babe Ruth" in lovely 7-8/10 blue ink. It is dated "3/11/47" in the same pen at the top which, in our opinion, appears to be in Ruth's hand as well. Below Ruth's message, longtime National League President (1934-51) and MLB Commissioner (1951-65) Ford C. Frick added "me too" to his autograph in similar blue pen tone. The remaining 28 signatures on the front and back of this guest list page (numbered 125-126) are unknown.
The other two loose guestbook pages (numbered 111-112 and 113-114) contain dozens of signatures from the 1943 Cleveland Indians (Jim Bagby, Ken Keltner, Mel Harder, Al Milnar, Mickey Rocco, Del Baker, Buddy Rosar, Ray Mack, Steve Gromek, Joe Heving, Ed Klieman, Ray Poat, Mike Naymick, Gene DeSautels, Jim McDonnell, Rusty Peters, Jack Salveson, etc.) and the '43 New York Yankees (Tuck Stainback and Jim Turner), most adding their position and/or team alongside. Even Cleveland's prestigious sports journalist, Gordon Cobbledick, and "The Voice of the Yankees," Mel Allen, attended and signed.
On a page dated "July 27th, 1943", the Yankees' great play-by-play man wrote a long paragraph (8/10 black ink) of gratitude for "spaghetti made out of spinach, delectable rolls made from artichokes -- delicacies of the first order -- and even tastier after a 13-inning ballgame -- Our host was perfect! Our chef simply out of this world! The only thing we can think of that would be better is the end of the war -- and it looks tonight as if it won't be too long -- Mel Allen."
Each 9-1/4" by 5-7/8" page is perfectly intact with some toning from age. Most signatures come in 8/10 or better blue ink. The uploaded photo (family kept the original) from one of these parties shows the Great Bambino among friends having a grand 'ole time. Includes three LOAs from PSA/DNA (AG01568) (AG01569) (AG01570), one for each page.