October Legends and Americana Ending November 14th
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2015
By the early 1930's when this ball was signed, the New York Yankees had
not only taken the place of the Giants as "New York's Team" but had
ascended to become the most popular team in the nation. In another
decade the Yankees brand would transcend even baseball and become the
most popular sports franchise in history. This ball brings together the
four men whose unique talents combined to make that happen. Jacob
Ruppert was the beer baron who turned a cellar dwelling team into the
very example of baseball excellence. Ruppert built Yankee Stadium, the
palace of baseball, and assembled a team worthy of its environs. He
hired Ed Barrow, a proven baseball talent scout with a knack for running
successful ball clubs. These two men formed a partnership that lasted
two decades and laid the foundation on which today's Yankees franchise
rests on. Barrow personally orchestrated Babe Ruth's purchase from the
Red Sox and the slugger quickly became the face of the franchise. The
Babe's talent and personality made everyone want to become a Yankee fan.
Barrow's other great find was a local kid named Lou Gehrig. Except for
talent, Gehrig was the exact opposite of the fun-loving Ruth. Lou's
serious, professional approach to the game made the Yankees the class of
the American League. To be a Yankee meant you came to win. The four
architects of Yankee excellence has signed this 1932-1933 Reach Official
American League ball in black fountain pen. This two-year only ball is
the last one that used by the AL featuring the distinctive red and blue
stitching. Ruth has of course signed the sweet spot ( 5/10) and Lou has
signed the panel to the right (5/10). Ruppert has signed the panel to
Babe's left (10/10) and Barrow signed the panel directly above the Babe
(10/10). A very unique ball bringing together the men most responsible
for making the Yankees the greatest sports franchise of all-time. Letter
of Authenticity from PSA/DNA and JSA.