This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/9/2009.
The most celebrated athlete of his generation, Babe Ruth's fame extends far beyond the game of baseball, a true legend. Ruth exemplified the ultimate in sportsmanship and athleticism, and was a hero of mythic proportions to youngsters and adults from all walks of life. Pitching in his first World Series game in 1916 for the Red Sox, Ruth pitched the longest complete game in World Series history, 14 innings (13 of them scoreless). Ruth was sold to the Yankees in 1919 in the most infamous trade in baseball history. In his first season as a Yankee (1920), Ruth belted a whopping 54 home runs, far surpassing his own record of 29. The "Sultan of Swat" went on hit 60 homers in 1927, a feat not surpassed until 1961. He averaged over 50 homers a season from 1926 to 1931, hitting a home run on average once every 12 plate appearances. Though many of his records have since been broken, the most famous being the single season home run record, Ruth is still tops in career walks (2056), single season walks (170) and single season total bases (457). This OAL Harridge baseball has been signed on the north panel by Babe Ruth who added the inscription “To Bill Murray From Babe Ruth.” The signature and inscription are done in blue period ink and rates an overall 7-8. The ball itself shows heavy dirt spotting throughout and has a one half inch ding on the east panel. It is accompanied by a LOA from JSA.