A Pre-Yankees Ruth gamer--the rarest of the coveted Ruth bats!There is no detail too obscured—or even slightly clouded—regarding the origins of Babe Ruth's unparalleled diamond career. The Bambino's early days in Boston and subsequent sale by a desperate Harry Frazee are revered as the formative period—not only of Ruth's hitting prowess, but of the home run (a feat accomplished almost exclusively by Ruth at the time) and the resultant fervor with which previously unimpressed fans flocked to catch even a glimpse of this hitting Goliath. Such sentiments are certain to gush forth upon holding this offered vintage Ruth war club.
An absolute rarity, this priceless, Hillerich & Bradsby signature model weapon hails from the 1917-1919 labeling period and evokes an increased pulse rate by the mere sight of the facsimile signature with the closed "R"—the earliest known such earmark on Ruth's H&B gamers. Ruth signed his first H&B deal in 1918, and wielded the company's Kentucky ash (to the dismay of many an opposing hurler) throughout the remainder of his career.
While skipper Ed Barrow (later, the Yankee President) is widely credited for transforming Ruth from a pitcher to an outfielder during the latter portion of the Sultan's tenure in Beantown, the reverse is more accurate. A 24-game winner in 1917, Ruth told Barrow that he'd rather play every day. While the headstrong Barrow did find adequate replacement for Ruth's vacated mound assignments, he did so as a temporary measure, telling coach Harry Hooper that he'd be the "laughing stock" of the league if he converted the best lefthander in the game into an outfielder. The opposing views of Ruth and Barrow came to a head in July of 1918, as the manager demanded Ruth take the hill when pitcher Dutch Leonard was designated for war relief employment. Ruth feigned a wrist injury and eventually, walked out on the team and went back to his native Baltimore. Barrow succumbed soon thereafter, occasionally "asking" Ruth to take the mound rather than making demands. Ruth ended the season with a league-best 11 home runs—and helped the BoSox to a World Series title with a pair of Fall Classic mound wins.
The offered heirloom was on hand for the infancy of the Babe's slugging conquests. That notion is evidenced by telltale ball marks about the left side, grain swelling and cleat marks—confirming phenomenal game usage. The deep and pronounced centerbrand and barrel stampings only enhance the lumber's allure, the former element's "dot-dash-dot" feature dating the bat to Ruth's (and baseball's) meteoric rise. In addition to flaunting a perfect oil finish, this 35", 38-oz. weapon reveals evidence of an original shipping label having once been applied to the barrel, as well as grease pencil side writing, which is no longer legible. There are two minor handle cracks (one of which, shows evidence of a nail having been removed)—undoubtedly the only factors that could've prevented the Babe from administering further damage with this particular item. The very characteristics inherent to this particular white ash club place it in its rightful niche as one of the rarest and most historic Babe Ruth bats in existence. A rock-solid example of an early Ruth gamer which will gain admittance for one serious hobbyist into an elite brotherhood of Red Sox-era Ruth bat owners.
Accompanied by a full Letter of Grading & Authenticity from MEARS Authentication Services.