Presented here for your bidding pleasure is a baseball that was used in play during the Bambino's appearance--along with fellow Yankees stars such as Lou Gehrig--at an exhibition game in Erie, PA on August 11, 1932. With a 3-day break scheduled in the midst of what was to be a championship season in 1932, Ruth and his Yankee teammates scheduled an exhibition game to make some extra money during the down time. The game featured the Erie Sailors minor league club against the might New York Yankees. And amazingly, the Erie team pulled off the upset, winning the game 7-4.
The baseball showcased in this auction offering was signed by the Bambino himself shortly after the game in black fountain pen ink on the west panel just off the sweet spot, with someone (likely the consignor's father, who acquired the signature) hand writing the location ("Erie PA") and the date ("8-11-32") alongside Ruth's autograph. The baseball exhibits heavy game usage and soiling, with the wear obscuring the manufacturer's stampings on the ball. Additionally, a light coat of varnish appears to have been applied.
Accompanying the ball is a photocopy of a letter written by the fan who acquired the signature, outlining the date and details as to how the autograph was acquired. Also accompanying the letter is a photocopy of the Erie Daily Times newspaper article that details the game and provides a box score.
A great autographed game relic for the budget-minded collector who has always wanted to be the proud owner of a Babe Ruth signed baseball! We guarantee this lot to pass PSA/DNA or JSA authentication, and full certification can be arranged for an additional fee (please contact us at info@iconicauctions.com for further details).