October Legends
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/2/2013
After soundly sweeping the Pirates in the 1927 World Series, the undisputed stars of the Yankees, Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, were ready to capitalize on their fame with a national tour. Organized by super-agent Christy Walsh, the two stars embarked on a whirlwind barnstorming tour that not only enabled western fans to see their idols play ball in person, but also give them the priceless opportunity to play alongside them. At each stop Ruth and Gehrig would each pick a team of lucky local ballplayers and play each other in a game. When the tour reached Milwaukee’s Borchert Field in late October of 1927, minor leaguer Ray Thompson was one of those lucky players. After the game the awestruck Thompson took a game used ball and had Ruth and Gehrig sign it. The Babe signed the Harwood “National League” baseball on the sweet spot and Gehrig added his signature to the left of Ruth’s on the side panel. Both signatures are in bold black fountain pen and the condition of this is extraordinary, with only light surface soiling. Baseballs signed by the two sluggers are special by themselves, but to find one dating from that incredible 1927 season with a provenance as solid as this one offered here is as good as they come. Includes Letter of Authenticity from JSA (cert number X77056) and letter of provenance from the Thompson family.