October Legends and Americana Ending November 14th
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2015
An outstanding “’Babe’ Ruth” signature in blue fountain pen adorns the otherwise unmarked back of this souvenir postcard from New York City. The 5-1/2” x 3-1/2” card shows a courtyard scene at St. Vincent’s Hospital, and an accompanying letter provides the explanation for Ruth’s splendid penmanship appearing on an item featuring that topic. The handwritten letter dated, “Christmas 1967,” reads, in full: “Dear Douglas – Your mother told me how much you love baseball so I thought you would like to have this. My first nursing job was at St. Vincent’s Hospital (where you were born) in 1925. The famous ball player, Babe Ruth, was a patient there. All the nurses loved him! I got his autograph and hope you will enjoy having it. He was a great ball player. Merry Christmas. Love Cousin ‘Millie’.”
In fact, the time Ruth spent under the care of nurse Millie at St. Vincent’s Hospital – an episode that became known as the “Belly Ache Heard ‘Round the World” – was much discussed in the media of the day. During the trip north from Spring Training in April, 1925, Ruth had collapsed twice en route. He was rushed to St. Vincent’s, and speculation was rampant that the slugger was suffering from complications associated with a “social disease.” The official line for press consumption, however, was that the Babe had eaten too many hot dogs and thus had a “belly ache.” While a patient, Ruth underwent surgery for an intestinal abscess, and he rejoined the Yankees on June 1, 1925. The card displays wear from respectful handling (not affecting Ruth’s scripting) and bottom-edge corner faults. This is a marvelous and highly displayable Ruth signed piece, with wonderfully appealing provenance! This item comes with a full Loa from JSA.