Virtually nonexistent ALS signed “Your pal, Babe,” on a 5.5 x 3.5 postcard, postmarked Miami Beach, April 16, 1947. Preparing for his return to New York, Ruth pens a warm and personal note to famed composer and personal friend Peter DeRose. In full: “Hello you lovely kids and that includes Carrie. It won’t be long before we are home again so be good until then.” The recipient was an American Hall of Fame composer of jazz and pop music during the Tin Pan Alley era. His best known compositions included “Deep Purple,” “Wagon Wheels,” and “Have You Ever Been Lonely?” Ruth was very close friends with De Rose and his wife May, and Ruth's love of his music is legendary. DeRose played at many events for Ruth, including his second wedding in 1929. In fact, Ruth requested that DeRose play "Deep Purple" at each of his birthday parties during the last decade of his life. Ruth had been relaxing and receiving treatment in Florida since March 1947. During the last few weeks of Ruth’s life, the DeRoses were frequent visitors to Ruth’s hospital room and were among the last people to speak with Ruth before he slipped into a coma. Less than two weeks after writing this letter, on April 27, 1947, Ruth was in the New York to attend a ceremony at Yankee Stadium. Despite his health problems, Ruth was able to attend “Babe Ruth Day.” Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from James Spence. Double matted and framed with a photo of a young Ruth in his Yankee pinstripes to an overall size of 14.25 x 21. Tack hole and ink notation to top, even toning to card, and a crease to lower right corner, otherwise fine condition. An uncommon format closely associated to one of Ruth’s dearest friends. JSA/Mike Gutierrez Auction LOA and RRAuction COA.
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