Lot # 3007: 1933 Babe Ruth Single-Signed Baseball with Provenance PSA/DNA NM 7

Presented is a Reach brand “Official League Ball” baseball signed by Babe Ruth across the sweet spot. Ruth’s vintage blue fountain pen signature contrasts beautifully against the light surface background. PSA/DNA has assigned a grade of NM 7 to the signature and EX 5 to the ball itself, for an overall grade of EX-MT 6. The handwritten notation on the side panel reads "October 29, 1933/Hoolulu Park/Hilo, Hawaii." (According to the letter from PSA/DNA, "please note, all other writing on the south panel is in an unknown hand and there are indications of writing removal on the west panel.") Between 1933 and 1934, Hawaii's first sports promoter, J. Ashman Beaven, brought baseball celebrities such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Jimmie Foxx to entertain Hawaii's sports fans. This signed baseball dates from this time. This ball has a unique provenance and is accompanied by a one-page typed-signed letter detailing its history. On October 29, 1933, Babe Ruth traveled to Hilo, Hawaii, to take part in an exhibition game between the local club (Waiakea Pirates) at Ho'olulu Park. One of the thousands of fans in attendance that day was our consignor's father, who was 12 years old at the time. Following the game, he was able to go down to the field exit and meet Ruth. It was there that our consignor's father then had Ruth sign a ball. According to our consignor's letter (which can be viewed on our website), this ball has been a family heirloom since the day it was acquired. The red-and-blue stitched ball is moderately toned with scattered spots of discoloration and a couple surface abrasions. All of the manufacturer's stampings are bold. The demand for Ruth single-signed baseballs continues to be one of the great stories of our hobby and fully attests to Ruth’s status as the greatest sports idol in American history. This is an outstanding example of that most coveted relic. Full LOA from PSA/DNA.