You know the famous swing, but close up photos of Babe Ruth’s face aren’t that common. Just days after it opened for bidding, it’s clear what collectors think of a rare image of Babe Ruth in the latter third of his career.
In cooperation with RMY Auctions, our Vintage Photo of the Day is this rare, original portrait image of baseball’s unquestioned king. The years have begun to show on his face as Ruth hits his mid 30s but he as far from finished.
The caption, still attached to the back after 84 years, states the Babe is “the perfect picture of health” as he trains with the Yankees in St. Petersburg, FL. The file date on the back is March 10, 1930.
Whatever he was doing, it worked. In 1930, with Joe McCarthy in charge as manager following the sudden death of Miller Huggins, Ruth hit .359 with 49 home runs and 153 RBIs. He even got back on the mound for the first time in nine years, tossing a complete game victory.
The photo is one of more than 300 historic images up for bid in the RMY Holiday Auction, set to continue through December 9. Bidding began at $25 and is now at $613.