3/22/1916 Babe Ruth Glass Slides of his First Major League Contract
The Mythical Babe Ruth: A Glimpse into Baseball History
An Unparalleled Legend
Babe Ruth stands alone in the annals of sports history, a figure so mythical that his legend transcends time and space. Revered by countless fans who never witnessed his prowess on the field, Ruth single-handedly elevated baseball to the status of our nation’s pastime. His influence is so profound that even today, his name evokes a sense of awe and admiration.
The Rare Contract Slides
In the realm of baseball memorabilia, few items hold as much significance as the contract slides of Babe Ruth. To our knowledge, the actual contract has never been seen or surfaced, making these slides the only proof of the contract that we are aware of. This extraordinary artifact is signed by Ruth in a manner never before seen, adding to its allure and rarity.
- Unique Signature: The slides bear Ruth’s signature, a form that has never been documented before.
- Historical Context: The slides encapsulate the legal bond that marked the beginning of Ruth’s legendary career with the Boston American League in 1916-17.
- Condition: Despite minor imperfections, such as a horizontal crack on the second slide and a missing portion on the third, the slides remain a testament to Ruth’s enduring legacy.
A Glimpse into the Past
The brown paper encasing the slides is inscribed with “No. 25092 Name Ruth, Geo. H. ‘Babe’ Remarks: Copies of First Major League B.B. Contract (Boston American League – 1916-17).” This inscription, along with the stamp of “ARTHUR J. KIELY, Jr. PHOTOGRAPHER,” provides a fascinating glimpse into the past. The cover slide, titled “1916-1917 PLAYER’S CONTRACT WITH George H. Ruth,” is signed in Ruth’s hand and dated “MAR 22 1916.”
The first page slide, titled “American League Player’s Contract REGULAR,” outlines the agreement between the Boston American League Base Ball Club and George H. Ruth of Baltimore. This document, signed by then-President Joseph Lannin and Ruth himself, is a rare artifact that marks the inception of one of the most prolific careers in baseball history.
Preserving a Legacy
These slides are more than just pieces of paper; they are a tangible connection to the past, preserving the legacy of a man who forever changed the landscape of baseball. As the only known proof of Ruth’s first major league contract, they hold an unparalleled place in the world of sports memorabilia.
For collectors and enthusiasts alike, these slides represent an opportunity to own a piece of history, a fragment of the story of a man who became a legend. If you have your own piece of history, consider exploring our consignment options to share it with the world.
In acquiring these slides, one is not merely obtaining a piece of memorabilia but a symbol of Babe Ruth’s enduring legacy and the indelible mark he left on the game of baseball. Discover more about our MLB auctions and explore the rich tapestry of baseball’s storied past.
* This text was generated from the original auction listing.