This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/3/2014
The 1927 New York Yankees season serves as a benchmark to which greatness is measured for all Major League Baseball teams past & present. With the nickname "Murderers' Row," the Yankees' powerful lineup would instill fear into nearly every opposing pitcher they faced. Ruth, in particular, would amass some extremely impressive numbers when he slammed a record 60 home runs, .356 batting average, and 164 RBIs en route to leading the Yankees to the World Championship. On September 18, during that magical 1927 season, Babe Ruth and the Yankees were playing the Chicago White Sox in a doubleheader when The Babe hit a Ruthian shot cracking this exact ball off the bat of the larger than life Ruth right into the arms of a twelve-year-old Brooklynite named Buddy Rudin, the new proud owner of Babe Ruth's 54th home run hit baseball. This stunning Official American League Ban Johnson baseball of proper vintage form with red & blue laces features Ruth's signature on the sweet spot in black fountain pen. The north panel displays two important signatures: Ray Schalk, the White Sox manager that day, and the iron horse himself, Lou Gehrig. The south panel includes a 1927 collector's notation, "Property of Buddy Rudin", in the twelve-year-old's handwriting. In addition, ""1927" = Sept. 18 off T. Lyons - Chicago", is written in blue ink in Rudin's hand which due to handling & countless story telling of the event was traced over in the 1950's. Thankfully, Rudin recognized the importance of the principal signatures as well as his original "Property of..." inscription, as they remain in their original state. Rubin would also go onto add an interesting collectors notation next to the exact spot where the Babe would make contact, sending this ball over the fences, adding, "54 H-R 1927." This ball serves as a historic marker in the greatest single season in Major League Baseball & possibly sports history! With clear game use shown throughout the ball, five-plus handwritten/typed letters of provenance & a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA, this is possibly the most decorated signed & game used Ruth ball in all the hobby.