It’s a photo that appears to be ahead of its time.
An artistic news photo of Babe Ruth in the spring of 1935 shows the aging slugger framed by clouds and the Polo Grounds grandstand picking out a weapon before batting practice. The 7×9” black and white photo is among the headliners in RMY Auctions’ latest sale, which opened this week.
The photo was taken as Ruth’s new team, the Boston Braves, prepared to meet the New York Giants on Tuesday, April 23.
In exceptional condition, it’s among several hundred sports and historic photos up for bid in the auction launched by the Utah-based company which specializes in vintage images. Seven photos in the auction feature Ruth during and after his playing career.
1935 would be a long year for the Braves and Ruth would be on his way to retirement before mid-season, but things weren’t so bad on this afternoon.
The Braves had gotten off to a 2-3 start but still had hopes of contending with the Babe in the lineup. He went 2 for 4 with a homer and 3 RBI on opening day in Boston, had two hits the next day and belted his second homer on Sunday, April 21. His performance quickly deteriorated though. He retired by June and his desire to be a big league manager that led him to Boston would never be fulfilled.
It was a sad ending for the game’s top draw and The Babe would be dead just 13 
years later.
The back of the photo contains the original caption and credits. The caption is dated April 24, the day after it was taken and stamped again May 3 when it was apparently filed.
The auction closes Tuesday, March 18. To register and bid, visit RMYAuctions.com.
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