Babe Ruth, Three Bats and a Game Face
Image Source: Unknown, but assumed to be in the public domain,
Photo Subject: Babe Ruth with his game face, hauling three bats.
Fun Fact: It may not be a surprise that three of the top five bats sold at auction belonged to Babe Ruth. In recent times, the price for these pieces of baseball memorabilia continue to appreciate. As of year-end 2020 the top three Babe Ruth bats are:
Number 5 – Hillerich & Bradsby bat that Babe Ruth used in 1921 and sold on May 9, 2020 for $930,000. The bat measured 35-7/8 inches and weighs 43.2 ounces
Number 3 – Hillerich & Bradsby bat that Babe Ruth used to in 1929 to hit his 500th home run. The bat sold at auction on December 14, 2019 for $1,000,800.
Number 1 – Hillerich & Bradsby bat used by Babe Ruth in 1923 to hit the first home run of the opening game at Yankee Stadium. The bat was sold at auction on December 2, 2004 for $1,265,000.
The New Atlas Collectibles website references a 1924 Babe Ruth bat valued at $2.0 to $3.0 million that has come to auction in recent years, but has been unable to meet the reserve price. If you are so inclined, dust off your checkbook and maybe you can buy a piece of baseball history.
Painting Detail: Printed on 13” x 19” canvas and painted using Schmincke Mussini and Marshall’s oil paints. Finer details, like pinstripes, were made using Prismacolor pencils.
Acknowledgement: Auction details were found on the New Atlas Collectibles website, Mike Hanlon was the author.