This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/25/2018
While Babe Ruth was eventually immortalized for his prowess as a slugger for the Yankees, it was his dominance as a Red Sox pitcher that started his career helped him prevail against another dominant pitcher of the era, Walter Johnson. Before Ruth became an everyday outfielder, his left arm was a prized commodity. Ruth rattled off 18 wins in his first full Major League season as a 20-year-old southpaw in 1915. By the time Ruth and Johnson eventually faced off against each other in 1916, The Great Bambino was already well on his way to his first 20-win season. However, the man known as The Big Train already had six 20-plus win seasons by that year, already having eclipsed the 200 career win mark and won an MVP by the time the two squared off against each other on August 15. Longevity, a strength of both hurlers, played out to the fullest during this game. Ruth and Johnson both went the distance in the 13-inning affair. Although Johnson's five hits eclipsed Ruth's one single, Johnson eventually gave up a game-winning run in the bottom of the 14th and took the tough-luck loss. Offered here is an extraordinarily rare Reach Official American League baseball signed by both dominant pitchers, with a fantastically bold Babe Ruth autograph on the sweet spot and Johnson penning his somewhat faded autograph on the side panel. There is an "Oct 22, 1924" inscription added in an unknown hand. The ball exhibits expected signs of again but also contains a dark red apparent ink spot taking up most of one of the side panels. This is not at all visible when either of the autographs are displayed. This relic stands as the first dual-signed Babe Ruth and Walter Johnson item we have ever offered. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of history from two players that, even 100+ years later, are considered two of the greatest to ever take the field - be it the mound or the plate! Accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA.