The cornerstone of any baseball autograph collection is a Babe Ruth single signed ball. Over the course of his career and life, The Great Bambino signed countless spheres. Whether solo or shared with teammates, a Ruth ball has always been something to behold. The Babe understood early on that it was the fans who made him the superstar he had become, so he believed signing autographs was his duty to them. Because of the demand for his signature, he developed a beautiful, flowing pen stroke that has become as iconic as his happy-go-lucky face. Throughout his adult life, Ruth signed almost whatever fans put in front of him – scorecards, restaurant menus, dollar bills, photos – but nowhere does his signature look more natural than on a baseball.
As the game’s biggest star, Ruth would habitually sign a ball on its sweet spot. Teammates asked to sign a ball reverently left that spot open for the slugger, as did his manager who traditionally was reserved that coveted spot. Like clockwork, Babe would apply his signature dead center on the sweet spot in a seemingly perfect symmetrical fashion. A wonderful example of his precision is this single signed example. Fresh to the market, this special Spalding league model ball highlighted by its colorful red and blue stitching is signed by Babe in black fountain pen rating 3-4/10 in strength and eye appeal. During the 1930s, the 'Babe Home Run Special' was the ball of choice for America's youth. The original Spalding manufacturer stamps and graphics remain exceptionally bold, complimenting Ruth’s lovely autograph. The baseball’s surface has some scuffing and toning and soiling to give it a warm, creamy patina. Includes full LOA from PSA/DNA.