Mid-Summer Classic Auction 2013

This is the kind of rare Babe Ruth artifact that truly proves worthy of its namesake. This Hillerich & Bradsby Babe Ruth bat from 1929-30 is as extraordinary as the Hall of Famer who wielded it, something Ruth did with his usual efficiency in the closing years of the Roaring Twenties, a period that was seemingly made for Ruth and his exuberant ways as he sat on his throne unchallenged atop the baseball world. Resplendent in it’s appearance, the bat – once slightly cracked and professionally repaired - is accompanied by a letter of provenance from the family that originally owned it, attributing its initial recipient as a clubhouse attendant at Yankee Stadium, who according to the document, was told by The Babe himself that it had been used to hit three home runs. That's a pretty spectacular addendum to the story of this 35-inch, 36.7-oz Ruth signature model bat. There are plenty of Ruth four-baggers to choose from over the 1929-30 span, as he tallied 46 and 49, in that order, leading the league both years (HR Crowns Nos. 10 and 11). The magnificence of this awe-inspiring baseball artifact is validated by a GU 9 designation from PSA/DNA, the kind of princely affirmation that it deserves and leaving no doubt as to its bona fides. The authentication service's bat experts note evidence of outstanding use, including a pronounced contact area above Ruth's name on the barrel, adding that the bat also shows the distinct Ruth characteristics of light scoring on the left barrel and on the handle. Such evidence has been documented on several of the finest-known game-used Ruth bats, including a bat on display at the Hall of Fame. In short, the marvelous piece, with an elegant finish that has gracefully aged to a warm brown patina, is a sensational museum-worthy masterpiece.

In addition to the aforementioned letter of provenance from the family of the Yankee Stadium clubhouse attendant, the bat is also accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from John Taube of PSA/DNA (Grade GU 9).