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Original Type 1 photos of Babe Ruth pitching, first World Series victory up for bid at Goldin
Before he became the most famous slugger in baseball history, Babe Ruth was one of the game’s greatest pitchers.
In six seasons with the Boston Red Sox and five appearances after his trade to the New York Yankees, Ruth compiled a 94-46 record and 2.28 ERA on the mound.
Because he only pitched for a few seasons and became better known as baseball’s greatest home run hitter, there are few trading cards and photos of Ruth as a pitcher. Goldin Co. has a rare Type 1 Original Photo of Ruth as a pitcher in its January Elite Auction, which runs through Jan. 27.
The 1915 photo, which depicts Ruth in a pitching pose, was most notably used for a Sporting Life magazine cover in March of 1916. The 20-year-old hurler won 18 games in 1915 while hitting his first four career home runs and winning his World Series championship. It is one of fewer than 10 Babe Ruth rookie solo photos to be certified as Type 1.
Goldin estimates the iconic image could sell for $75,000-$100,000.
Another Ruth Type 1 Photo is also featured in the auction. The 1915 Babe Ruth World Series Rookie Type 1 Original Photo is the only certified Type 1 from Ruth's first World Series. The photo was taken prior to the start of Game 3 in a celebration with Red Sox Manager Bill Carrigan, whom Ruth praised as the best manager he’d ever had.
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Other Type 1 photos in the auction include:
• A Mike Tyson Pro Debut Type 1 Original Photo taken on March 6, 1985. The first Type 1 example of Tyson’s pro debut sold for more than $20,000. The example up for bid depicts Tyson raising his hand as the winner.
• A 1940 Jackie Robinson UCLA Football Type 1 Original News Service Photo that features the legendary baseball player and civil rights icon as a UCLA football player.
• A 1991 NBA Finals Type 1 Original Photo of Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson showing Jordan guarding Johnson. Another photo of the “Passing of the Torch” moment sold for more than $20,000 in September.
• A photo of Tommie Smith and John Carlos’ “Black Power Salute” at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. The photo depicts the two student-athletes who won the gold and bronze medals for the 200-meter race, raising their black-gloved fists in solidarity and support of the Black Power movement.
