This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/22/2019
While most vintage collectors generally believe that the 1933 Goudey #53 card of "The Bambino," more commonly known as "the yellow Ruth," is the toughest of the quartet in the series, a look at the SGC pop report confirms that it's actually card #149, "the red Ruth" that has the fewest total submissions. Although the Babe had pretty much re-written the record books in virtually every offensive category by this time, he showed very little sign of slowing down entering the 1933 season, having just completed his seventh consecutive 40+ homer campaign but, like the previous six years, was not the home run king as Jimmie Foxx took the 1932 title. Ruth's 137 RBI and .341 batting average had baseball enthusiasts wondering if the 38-year old juggernaut would ever slow down, though signs of age surfaced in 1933 when Ruth "only" hit 34 homers and his batting average dropped to .301. Yes, it turns out Ruth was mortal after all, but was still one of the best in the game regardless of age. This incredible example is one of the sharpest we've ever seen at the grade of SGC 7 NM, with a benign centering preference for the southeast likely being the sole reason that it isn't at least a half-grade higher. Above-grade NM to NM/MT corners surround a finely detailed and well-registered image of Ruth amidst an overwhelming backdrop of deep red color. The reverse has very dark green print with a red outline around the edges from the intense red color on the front, a common occurrence with Goudey cards that does not detract at all but actually adds to the powerful presence of this vintage pasteboard. Spectacular for the grade, this card comes highly-recommended by the MHCC staff!