Babe Ruth, a larger-than-life figure in the world of baseball, continues to captivate fans and collectors even decades after his passing. In an upcoming event, Memory Lane Inc. is hosting the Winter Rarities Auction, showcasing an extraordinary collection of over 1,950 lots of sports cards and memorabilia. This auction presents a unique opportunity for collectors to own a piece of baseball history, with a special focus on rare Babe Ruth collectibles.
One of the standout items in the auction is an authenticated and graded circa 1915 Babe Ruth rookie-era postcard, one of only two known examples in existence. This postcard features a unique image of Ruth captured at the Boston Red Sox Spring Training camp in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Developed on period photo paper from the original glass negative, this rare real photo postcard holds immense historical value and is expected to start with a bid of $50,000.
Another exceptional piece up for auction is a promotional card for the 1920 movie “Headin’ Home,” starring Babe Ruth. Only three of these cards are known to exist, and one can find a promotion for the movie at Chicago’s Frolic Theater on the reverse side. Graded PSA 2, this rare card carries a minimum bid of $15,000.
The auction also features a 1920 Ruth card promoting a barnstorming tour headlined by the baseball legend after the season. With only three known examples, this card shows Ruth in mid-swing, heading toward first base and is graded PSA 1.5.
Babe Ruth’s presence extends beyond these unique cards, as the auction includes several high-grade 1930s Goudey cards featuring Ruth alongside other baseball greats such as Jimmie Foxx, Carl Hubbell, Dizzy Dean, Lou Gehrig, and Nat Holman. Some of these cards are among the highest PSA grades known to exist.
While Memory Lane Inc. focuses on Babe Ruth, the auction also includes a 1911 Turkey Red set break, featuring 10 cards ranked among the highest ever graded by PSA. This set includes legendary names like Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson, Cy Young, and Nap Lajoie.
Collectors can also vie for the 12th-ranked set of 1952 Bowman Baseball, with individual cards of Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Minnie Minoso’s rookie card, all in top condition. Additionally, a high-grade 1953 Topps set break includes PSA 9 copies of Yogi Berra, Billy Martin, and Phil Rizzuto, along with PSA 6 examples of Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays.
For collectors interested in autographs, the auction offers eight Mickey Mantle autographed cards, with five of them having autographs graded PSA 10. These cards span years from 1953 to 1958, reflecting different phases of Mantle’s illustrious career.
The Winter Rarities Auction isn’t limited to cards alone. It also features vintage unopened packs and boxes, including 1978 and 1979 Topps Baseball vending cases that provide a nostalgic glimpse into the past of baseball card collecting.
Babe Ruth’s memorabilia in the auction is truly remarkable, featuring a range of autographed items. A highlight is a dual-signed check from July 1945, made out to his wife Claire, with a note explaining its significance. Other notable items include a signed 1923 $1 silver certificate, an album page signed by Babe Ruth and Jimmie Foxx, and two autographed golf scorecards.
The Winter Rarities Auction at Memory Lane Inc. presents an unparalleled opportunity for collectors and fans alike to own a part of Babe Ruth’s storied legacy. From rare cards and autographs to unique memorabilia, this auction not only holds immense historical value but also embodies the spirit of one of baseball’s greatest icons. As the auction opens on December 21st and runs through January 13th, collectors can look forward to a memorable event in the world of sports memorabilia.
