Earliest Known Babe Ruth Pinstripes — 4/13/1921 Babe Ruth NY Yankees Opening Day Game-Used Flannel Pants

Babe Ruth’s Early 1920s Game-Used Pinstripe Pants: A Historic Treasure

An Iconic Piece of Baseball History

In the realm of baseball memorabilia, few items can rival the historical significance and allure of Babe Ruth’s game-worn pinstripe pants from the early 1920s. These pants are not just a garment; they are a tangible connection to the legendary “Sultan of Swat” himself, representing a pivotal era in the history of America’s pastime.

Details and Craftsmanship

Inside the rear waistband of these remarkable pants lies the “A.G. Spalding Bros” manufacturer’s tag, a testament to the quality and authenticity of the piece. Beneath this tag, the name “Ruth” is elegantly embroidered in red chain stitch script-style lettering, indicative of the early 1920s. This detail is crucial, as it distinguishes these pants from those of the mid-1920s, where the embroidery was notably thicker.

The pants measure a size “42” waist and extend to 38 inches in length, reflecting Ruth’s “skinnier” days. Despite the common imagery of Ruth as a robust figure, these pants tell a different story. The rear pockets remain fully intact, while the front belt loops have undergone repairs, adding to the narrative of their storied past.

Unique Features and Provenance

• Photographic Evidence: The pants feature a belt loop covering the top button, making them an undeniable photomatch, as pinstripes are akin to fingerprints.
• Game-Worn Characteristics: Heavy sweat staining inside the rear waistband and multiple team period repairs are visible, alongside dirt staining on both legs.
• Custom Modifications: Eight and a half inches of additional matching pinstripe flannel material were added to each leg by the Yankees, custom-made for Ruth.

These pants were worn by Ruth on April 13, 1921, during Opening Day at the Polo Grounds, where he went 5-for-5 with two RBIs in an 11-1 victory over the Philadelphia Athletics. This day is immortalized in a photograph of Ruth with Frank “Home Run” Baker, showcasing the pants tucked into his navy blue stirrup socks.

Impeccable Provenance

The provenance of these pants is impeccable, having originally come from Claire Ruth in 1974. They exhibit outstanding game-use and, aside from the aforementioned repairs, remain unaltered. This piece of American and baseball history offers a direct link to George Herman “Babe” Ruth, arguably the greatest player of all time.

For collectors and enthusiasts, these pants are more than just a piece of fabric; they are a fragment of baseball’s golden era. They represent an opportunity to own a piece of history that is as iconic as the man who wore them. Explore more about such legendary artifacts in our sports memorabilia auctions and discover the stories behind each piece. If you have your own piece of history, consider our consignment services to share it with the world.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.