Long before clubhouses had private stalls and catered training tables, they had lockers for the players. Individually etched medallions identified the locker of each player. Even greats like Babe Ruth needed their lockers distinguished. This medallion is how that was accomplished. When the Yankees became the first team to regularly wear uniforms with numbers in 1929, the locker medallion also received a number.

This bronze medallion, approximately two inches in diameter, was the style that hung from the Babe’s home locker. On the front is engraved “BABE RUTH 3.” On the back is engraved “YANKEE STADIUM LOCKER 3 THE BRONX, NEW YORK.” This tag was used between 1929 and 1934. This is a rare piece as Ruth played for five more seasons as a Yankee before finishing his career in 1935 with the Boston Braves. Anecdotes explain that players received three tags – one each for equipment bag, locker and luggage. In addition to the ones actually used at the stadium, additional copies were produced at the time and given out. The medallion is good condition with engravings and faces showing some tarnish from age.

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