This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/10/2022
Even without knowing the context in which this photo was taken, one would deem this one of the more evocative portraits ever taken of Babe Ruth. Clad in his pinstripes and warmup jacket, the mighty slugger sits on the batting cage undercarriage, gazing off into the distance of an empty Yankee Stadium. It is the fall of 1932 and Ruth is just 14 days away from the greatest moment of his brilliant career – the “Called Shot.” This Associated Press photo is dated on the back as September 17, 1932, as the Yankees prepared to meet the Cubs in the 1932 World Series. In the famous Game 3 in Chicago, the Cubs players and fans were really razzing the Bambino when he gestured – some say he pointed at the outfield wall, others say it was to the Cubs bench – and promptly hit a Charlie Root pitch into the bleachers. The home run took the wind out of Chicago’s sails as the Yankees won the series in 4 games. The “Called Shot” is one of baseball’s greatest stories and Babe Ruth’s crowning moment, and that is what makes this pensive portrait of the slugger so significant. He is but 14 days away from immortality. The beautiful photo shows even toning throughout which gives it a golden patina. The reverse has the Associated Press stamp and September 17, 1932, date. Measuring 7” x 9” the photo has been encapsulated by PSA and graded a Type 1 Authentic.