He was hoping to slide from the outfield to the manager’s office, but as 1934 wound to a close, it was starting to become obvious Babe Ruth wouldn’t get his chance to run the Yankees. On August 10, in the city where he began his major league career, The Bambino announced he expected to retire at the end of the season.
Our Photo of the Day from RMY Auctions is a rare news photo showing Ruth tipping his cap to the Fenway faithful. The 6 ¼” x 8” image includes a full August 11, 1934 paper caption on the back from International News and was also date stamped in November, when it was archived.
RMY Auctions believes it is the only example of this particular photo ever offered for sale.
Generally in good condition, the photo has two small orange crop marks on the top border and some very minimal wear from handling and use.
The caption on the back references Ruth’s desire to manage (which would never come) and that ‘weak ankles’ were the reason for his retirement announcement. Actually, he would be coaxed back into action by the Boston Braves for 1935, but by the end of May, it was clear the 40-year-old Ruth couldn’t play at a high level every day.
The photo is one of several featuring Ruth and other long ago Hall of Famers in the current RMY Auction, set to close this weekend.