Lot #942

Babe Ruth Typed Letter Signed on His Newspaper Column: "This looks like a big year in baseball"

Description

"This looks like a big year in baseball"—at the height of his fame, Ruth announces a series of newspaper articles on "baseball and big league players"

TLS, 5 x 7.5, personal letterhead, April 12, 1930. Letter to Vick Le Bean of Brooklyn, in full: "As one of many thousands who took part in my All America Baseball Contest last year in the New York World, I want you to know that I am now on the staff of the New York Evening Journal. The Journal, as you know, has one of the biggest circulations in the world and will reach a great many more people, giving me an opportunity to spread baseball interest that much further.

This looks like a big year in baseball and the All America Contest should reach its greatest popularity this summer in The Evening Journal. Starting immediately I will have two articles every week in The Journal, and in addition a special illustrated Baseball Lesson along the lines of those that have already appeared. So don't fail to watch the Journal and get your friends to read it if you are interested in my articles regarding baseball and big league players." Attractively double-matted and framed with a portrait to an overall size of 20.5 x 16; includes the original mailing envelope, viewable on the reverse of the frame. In fine condition. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from JSA.

Babe Ruth was a larger-than-life figure in Depression-era America, and pioneering sports agent Christy Walsh helped to capitalize on his popularity. Walsh built and ran a successful ghostwriting syndicate of thirty-four baseball writers who produced articles, books, and baseball tutorials under the names of famous players like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Dizzy Dean, and Rogers Hornsby. Interestingly enough, Ford Frick—who would go on to serve as the president of the National League and commissioner of baseball—served as the ghostwriter for Ruth's articles in the New York Evening Journal. A desirable letter boasting an ideal, crisp Babe Ruth autograph.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts
• Dates: September 28, 2024 - October 16, 2024

This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for $500.00

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