Babe Ruth Relics on Full Display at National Convention, Courtesy of Memory Lane

Ever wondered what it would feel like to hold Babe Ruth’s bat? Fans will get that chance each day during the National Sports Collectors Convention in Cleveland, to be held July 30-Aug. 3 at the I-X Convention Center.

Memory Lane Auctions will have a genuine 1932 Ruth game-used bat at its booth inside the I-X Center. Between 11-2 p.m. July 31-Aug. 2, visitors will be able to stop by and hold the giant war club. Cameras are welcome.

The bat will be part of an exhibit of Ruth memorabilia that will be on display inside the company’s large booth near the front of the show (Booth #101). A historic signed check, classic high-grade baseball cards, autographed photos and other items will be among the more than two dozen pieces showcased. All are currently in private collections but will be on display together for the first time at the Memory Lane booth.

The items span virtually Ruth’s entire career (and beyond) and include a rare panoramic photo of the 1915 Boston Red Sox featuring the young star; a 1916 Sporting News rookie card graded PSA 8; a 1927 Yankees payroll check, signed the day he hit his 60th home run; a signed baseball graded 8.5 by PSA/DNA complete with the box he used to mail it to a fan; a signed magazine photo depicting his famous "called shot" in the 1932 World Series; a photo signed by both Ruth and Lou Gehrig during a barnstorming tour; a 1942 War Bonds exhibition game baseball signed by Ruth and several other Hall of Famers; and a photo personalized to a young Joe DiMaggio that shows Ruth in a suit and tie during an awards presentation at Yankee Stadium.

The exhibit will be open during show hours, which run from 10-6 p.m. Eastern Time.

Memory Lane will be sponsoring Wednesday’s VIP party at the National and accepting consignments for its upcoming catalog auction. Free five-day passes to the National are available to consignors. Call Memory Lane (877-606-5263) or visit their website for more information.