SCP Auctions Spring 2010 Internet Auction

The relationship between George Herman Ruth and a Catholic missionary named Brother Matthias, one of the Xaverian brothers at St. Mary's School for Boys, began when Ruth was placed in his care at the age of seven. During his 12 years at St. Mary's, young George rarely saw his family. They did not come to visit on holidays or on the one Sunday per month when family could visit the boys at the school. Little George was an unruly student, infamously classified as "incorrigible." Much of this was due the young man's inability to adapt to the regimented and structured environment at St. Mary's. Estrangement from his parents led George, Jr. to find a father figure in Brother Matthias, the Prefect of Discipline at St. Mary's school. Brother Matthias would have a very positive influence on George's life, despite his reputation for unruliness. Brother Matthias, a very large, muscular man, became an inspiration to George in baseball as well as in other aspects of his life. The time spent with Brother Matthias not only helped hone George's swing, but the guidance and encouragement gave him much needed support that would translate into George's great affection toward children in later years. Throughout Ruth’s life he often expressed his love for Brother Matthias and gratitude for the guidance and care that ultimately allowed him to become the greatest baseball player who ever lived.

This 62-page "St. Mary's Industrial School for Boys" annual report and yearbook was issued in 1916, two years after Ruth’s departure from the school, when the young phenom was on the verge of changing the course of baseball history as a member of the Boston Red Sox. Sensing the promise of their gifted alumnus, officials at the school opted to include a two-year old full-page photo featuring Ruth in his senior year, posing with catching gear, flanked by the rest of the St. Mary's baseball team. Under the photo there’s the caption “Champions” and “'Babe’ Ruth”. The book’s cover and first page show significant wear including tears reinforced by tape and tape reinforcement at the spine. Interior pages are in overall excellent condition, as is the Ruth team photo.