DS, signed “George H. Ruth,” two pages, 6.25 x 11.5, August 30, 1920. An injunction from Babe Ruth concerning an ongoing legal dispute, in full: “I am the plaintiff herein and earn my livelihood as a professional baseball player and am a member of the New York American Baseball Club, popularly known as the ‘Yankees.’ I am popularly known in the baseball world as ‘Babe’ Ruth. I have read the complaint herein and know the facts set forth thereon to be true and reiterate the same with the same force and effect as if all the allegations therein set forth were herein specifically repeated. The continuance by the defendants, and each of them, pending this action, of the acts sought to be enjoined, would cause irreparable injury and damage to me, and if allowed to continue would tend to render any judgment finally rendered in my favor, ineffectual.
This action is not yet at issue, this injunction being applied for to accompany the summons and complaint, which have been issued for service. The time appointed for the holding of the next term of this court where this action is triable, is the first Monday of October, 1920. An injunction is therefore applied for restraining the commission and continuance of the acts complained of pending this action, and for a temporary injunction order pending the motion to continue the same, for which no previous application has been made.” Signed neatly at the conclusion in black ink by Babe Ruth. Archivally matted and framed with a photo of Ruth (bearing a faint facsimile signature) to an overall size of 19.75 x 15.5. In fine condition.
In 1920, Babe Ruth, during his first season as a member of the New York Yankees baseball team, filed suit against Educational Films, Inc. for distributing two movies documenting his performance at the plate: ‘Babe Ruth, How He Knocks His Home Runs’ and ‘Over the Fence.’ Because both were released without his permission, Ruth filed suit in the New York Supreme Court seeking an injunction. The court ruled against him stating that the films were not a violation of Ruth's civil rights since the original filming had the oral consent of the ballpark's owners and even Ruth himself. In addition, the court added that the films depicted actual events in which baseball fans had a continuing interest after the games had been played.
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