This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/10/2017
It's been said that Babe Ruth could never refuse the request of an autograph from an adoring fan, especially a starry-eyed child who dreamed of one day following in his mammoth footsteps. The product of a troubled childhood himself, "The Sultan of Swat" sympathized with the oft-cloaked struggles of America's youth, especially during an economic depression that brought unimaginable hardship at a time when "The Bambino" most thrived. If a signed photo or baseball from one of their greatest heroes could improve their lives in the slightest, Babe Ruth was more than happy to grant that simple request. Even in his latter days when his health was failing and his once imposing physique was becoming visibly more frail with each passing day, Ruth continued to make others the priority over himself. The featured Babe Ruth signed baseball is a product of the unwavering dedication that contributes to his legacy as history's greatest sports celebrity. In late August of 1947, just a few days short of a year before Ruth's passing, Babe made a stop in Miles City, Montana for an impromptu signing session on his way to the American Legion Junior sectional playoffs in Billings and signed approximately 50 baseballs to give out to kids, one of which is offered here. The featured item was acquired by the father of the consignor, one of those lucky 50, and appears as though it hasn't aged a day. Inked on the sweet spot of a MacGregor Goldsmith Official 97 League baseball, the steel-tip fountain pen signature is one of the grandest that we have ever encountered, strong and consistent from start to finish with just the slightest bit of fade in the final letter of his first name that places it in the "8-9" range for overall boldness and appeal. The ball is well-preserved, a cream-white orb with a moderately faded but still quite legible MacGregor stamping. Ruth always took extra care in delivering a superior signature to his youngest of admirers and this fantastic sphere is clear evidence of that. Though Ruth passed away in 1948 at just 53 years old, he used that short window of opportunity to grace many people with heirlooms that connect our common bonds as an American nation, though few can compare to the grace and majesty of this incredible, museum-quality baseball. Full LOA from JSA.