This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/8/2018
A bold Babe Ruth autographed baseball is featured here. The story of its acquisition, as told by our consignor, is that The Babe made his way through Indianapolis, IN, in early August of 1947 to make a promotional appearance at the American Legion youth baseball All-Star game. This was shortly after he had undergone surgery for throat cancer, which would sadly take Ruth's life a year later. The consignor's father, Harold Harrison, who at the time was the sports editor for the Indianapolis Star, wrote a story for the August 6th edition. The day before he had taken his son to meet Ruth at Victory Field (home of the triple-A Indianapolis Indians) where the Bambino happily signed a ball for his 12-year-old (Lot 127). At a press conference later that day, Ruth signed this offered ball for Harold (see the two in the attached photo).
According to PSA/DNA, the personalized "To Harold Harrison" in blue ink on the sweet spot is done in an unknown hand. Ruth's autograph on the east panel presents in strong 7-8/10 black ink. The other signature in blue pen on the north panel belongs to "Coach Billy Thom" (research indicates this was probably the longtime wrestling coach at Indiana University). The ONL (Frick) baseball remains in terrific condition with just the slightest bit of toning. A truly wonderful example with great provenance.
Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Letter of provenance from consignor.