This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/8/2018
This 1948 Babe Ruth Farewell Album was assembled by the Yankees organization upon Ruth's death in 1948 and presented to the Ruth family. This extraordinary album is actually an oversized scrapbook filled with touching articles, photographs, correspondence and press material concerning the life and death of this baseball immortal. The first 32 pages contain dozens of newspaper articles chronicling Babe Ruth Day on June 13, 1948. Ruth's famed #3 was retired that afternoon, to coincide with the twenty-fifth anniversary of Yankee Stadium. Many articles also cover Ruth’s passing on August 16, 1948 as well as numerous tribute and memorial articles that followed. Several news service pictoral inserts are also included. A few of the pages include telegrams and letters of gratitude from dignitaries invited to participate in the Babe Ruth Day festivities at Yankee Stadium.
Highlighting the album are 22 pages containing more than 50 original photos. Most of the photos are 8” by 10” or larger, including: a montage of Ruth swinging; several of Ruth with other legends such as Lou Gehrig, Ty Cobb and Tris Speaker (together) and Walter Johnson; a great shot of the 1943 War Bond team; a photo of Ruth signing his famed $80,000 contract; and a glorious collection of images from Babe Ruth Day on June 13, 1948. The Babe Ruth Day group includes shots of Ruth delivering his memorable speech, Ruth with his 1923 reunion teammates, shots of Ruth at his old Yankee Stadium locker, and more. The large album measures 23 ½” by 19.” The pages were formerly bound between two black leather covers, but the binding is no longer intact. The cover has a dymo label that reads "Babe Ruth Lifetime of Pictures and Letters" taped to the front. The album conveys a great sense of love and gratitude from the Yankees to the Ruth family during what was likely a period of bereavement for both parties. The album was formerly a part of the famed Barry Halper Collection and we attest to its authenticity 100%.