October Legends and Americana Ending November 14th
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2015
Babe Ruth’s accomplishments on the baseball diamond are well documented, but aside from his efforts to stay close to the game he loved after his playing career came to an end, there are few clues as to how he spent his final years leading to his passing in 1948. In April of 1947, the Ford Motor Company approached Ruth with an offer to serve as a consultant for their American Legion Junior Baseball Program. This request was made in the form of a letter to Mr. Ruth, detailing the offer of payment in the form of a Lincoln Sedan, along with payment for personal appearances. The letter alludes to Ruth’s failing health, as he had been diagnosed with cancer in 1946.
This 2 page contract between the Ford Motor Company and George Herman Ruth is type written on off white paper, and includes punch holes across the top. It is addressed to Ruth at 110 Riverside Drive in New York City, NY. Both pages of this document are initialed by George Herman Ruth (“GHR”) and his wife, Claire Ruth (“CR”). Page 1 comes with a Letter of Authenticity from JSA, while page 2 is accompanied by an LOA from Global Authentication, Inc and both letters come with a PSA/DNA LOA (Z00123 & Z00124). This unique item offers a rare glimpse into Ruth’s lasting star power, and serves to confirm his importance to the game of baseball long after he had left the spotlight.