No single sports memorabilia item inspires more awe than a bat used by Babe Ruth. For veteran hobbyists or casual fans, the allure of a bat wielded by Ruth, the ultimate tool of his trade, is unfailing. For many reasons this example is among the finest of known Ruth gamers. Most notable is its 1918-21 vintage. The bats labeling period coincides with a pivotal window in Ruth's career that saw his epic transition from Boston to New York. The magnetic Ruth was hailed as baseball’s savior, the man who ushered in the longball era and revitalized America’s beloved national pastime that had been mired in the bog of the 1919 Black Sox scandal. During his first season in pinstripes Ruth clouted 54 homers, more than any other team in the majors except one. That same season, Ruth slugged an astonishing .847, a record that stood for more than 80 years. In 1920, the Yankees, not coincidentally, became the first team to draw more than one million fans to a ballpark, more than double the attendance of any other club. In the media capital of the world, the combination of Ruth’s boundless charisma and unmatched prowess on the diamond elevated him to a level of popularity in his day greater than that of any public figure in American history.
Measuring 35.75 inches at a weight of 37.3 ounces, this bat shows the earliest version of Babe Ruth’s signature ever branded on the barrel of an H&B Louisville Slugger. This bat is referenced on Babe Ruth’s order sheet in the H&B factory records as “His Model #1, a.k.a. small or Old Ruth round end (Model R2)”. The hand turned knob of this bat is consistent with the R2 model and is distinguished by a circular lathe mark on the knob end, and signs of hand applied rasp marks. Additionally, the knob has been marked in vintage grease paint, presumably at the H&B factory by the lathe hand. During the last two years of the 1918-21 label period, records show Ruth’s orders for bats between 40 and 47 ounces (recorded weights are not available for pre 1920 records). At 37.2 ounces today, this bat would qualify as one of the bats in a 40-ounce order. It is common for bats to be up to 4 ounces off the recorded player’s weight request when studying the player’s H&B order form. Evidence of a tape ring is another notable attribute of this early Ruth bat. The 1” wide tape ring residue pattern can be seen on the handle located 5" from the end of the knob. A second similar tape ring pattern appears near the top of the handle towards the centerbrand. Such traits have been documented in photographs showing Ruth holding bats treated with similar taping. Other highly significant earmarks presented by this magnificent Ruth war club are evidence of “bone rubbing”, or flattening of the hitting surface, numerous cleat marks, and heavy ball marks and compressed wood from contact. A 9” handle crack is evident and a section of deadwood appears on the back of the barrel. The finish and patina of this Ruth gamer are original and superb. The bat shows no evidence of restoration, remaining just as it was when it last left the hands of the greatest slugger of his, or any generation. Includes a detailed LOA from MEARS (Graded A8.5)