Babe Ruth Auction to Benefit Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/6/2016
Led by Babe Ruth's league-leading 43 home runs and 131 RBI, the Yankees of 1923 captured their third consecutive A.L. pennant and the first World Championship in franchise history. Hobby consensus has long been unanimous that a team signed ball from the Yankees' first World Series triumph is the most difficult to obtain, in any condition, and a spellbinding example of that elusive treasure is offered here. Presented is an exceedingly rare, red and black-stitched OAL (Johnson) ball that has been signed by 27 members of the 1923 World Champion New York Yankees. This moderately soiled and toned ball has survived the years in worthy condition, with legible stampings and tight seams. Signature highlights include the autographs of Hall of Famers Babe Ruth (with quotes on the sweet spot, partially re-traced), Herb Pennock, Miller Huggins and Waite Hoyt. Among their teammates who also inked their names in fountain pen are Benny Bengough, Oscar Roettger, Bob Shawkey, Wally Pipp, Aaron Ward, Sam Jones, George Pipgras, Carl Mays, Everett Scott and Chas. O'Leary (coach). Owing to the aged surface of the sphere, a number of signatures require a bit of scrutiny to discern, but most retain enviable clarity. The Yankees of 1923 emerged victorious, 4 games to 2, over the reigning World Champion New York Giants. Perhaps even sweeter for Yankee fans than the actual championship was that their victory in the World Series came at the expense of their cross-town rivals: the win signaled a shift in the balance of power between the warring franchises. Coincidentally, 1923 also witnessed the opening of Yankee Stadium (where three World Series games were played), an event occasioned by the team's having been evicted from the Polo Grounds the previous season. This is a significant, desirable and very presentable team ball marking the beginning of the greatest dynasty in the history of professional sports. LOA from PSA/DNA (Certification #Q99398). Goldin Auctions will be donating 5% of the winning bid price of this lot and all lots in this auction to the Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum.