SCP Auctions April 2008 Live Auction

A documented game bat from the great Bambino is a cornerstone to any significant collection of baseball artifacts. The offered example possesses several attributes highly valued by astute bat collectors in analyzing a Ruth gamer. Most notable is its 1923-25 vintage. The bats labeling period coincides with a pivotal window in Ruth's career that saw him reach the greatest heights ever reached by a baseball player from the standpoint of both personal and team achievements. When the 1923 baseball season began, Babe Ruth and the New York Yankees led the American League from Opening Day. After the middle of June, no club was within five games of them. They finished 16 lengths ahead of second-place Detroit. As a batter, Ruth was merely sensational. He led the AL in seven categories in 1923, including on-base percentage and slugging average. He walloped a dozen more homers than the runner-up. His batting average was .393, the highest mark of his career and second only to Harry Heilman's .403. Securing league MVP honors, Ruth's offensive production escalated in the 1923 World Series, leading the Yankees to their first title over the cross-town rival Giants. Another significant attribute of this George "Babe" Ruth professional model bat is it's imposing size. Measuring 35 inches at a weight of 37.7 ounces, the imposing weapon shows evidence of outstanding use. Ball marks are visible on the right and left barrel. It is important to note that some restoration has been performed on the bat, which includes a handle crack, two small chips on the knob and slight deadwood "checking" on the back barrel. The restoration does not affect the integrity of the bat. A branding flaw is visible within the center brand. Only the top and bottom edge of the '5' in the model number '125' can be seen. The bat has been assigned a technical grade of GU5 by PSA/DNA, which belies the "Ruthian" aura inspired by its look and feel. LOA from John Taube of PSA/DNA (Graded GU5).
20,000 USD - 30,000 USD