This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/6/2021
Fate controls the reins of mankind at its own discretion, but every so often, comes to the rescue with impeccable timing. When the 1919 "Black Sox" scandal left a mark on the "Great American Pastime", it seemed the sport had passed the point of no return in the hearts and minds of the American public, branded an institution rotten to the core that personifying narcissism and greed. At just that pivotal moment in history, Red Sox owner Harry Frazee ran into some financial trouble and sent his star pitcher George Herman Ruth to New York (spoiler alert: baseball is ok now). Known as "The Babe", "The Great Bambino", "The Sultan of Swat", "The Colossus of Clout", "The Titan of Terror" and about 15 other nicknames, Ruth's boyish enthusiasm and outright assault on the major league record book brought the game back from the brink of extinction and helped make it an American institution. Featured here is a stunning OAL (Barnard) sphere signed by Babe Ruth that is one of the finest in existence. While the facsimile of American League President Ernest S. Barnard identifies it as from the 1927-31 time period, the Reach stampings and two-toned stitching appear as fresh as when the ball was made. The "Babe Ruth" signature penned squarely across the sweet-spot gleams with pride for all to see with a wide-eyed appeal and clean, curvaceous overtone earning the virtually unheard of grade of MINT 9 by JSA authentication for both the autograph and the ball, locked within a clear plastic enclosure for perfect display. Without question, the offered collectible will immediately elevate any collection to a world-class level instantly; an absolute dream of the finest single-signed Ruth ball we have ever offered. The Best! Full LOA from JSA and PSA/DNA.