Best-In-Class
1916 Babe Ruth "Batting" Photo by Charles M. Conlon PSA/DNA Type I.. ...
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Description
1916 Babe Ruth "Batting" Photo by Charles M. Conlon PSA/DNA Type I.
Best-In-Class Expert Analysis/Summary:
Frequently, when legends of the distant past are discussed, both positive and negative exploits or attributes tend to become exaggerated. When it comes to Babe Ruth, one could make the case that his legacy has been impacted in both directions. Unfortunately, as the generations pass, the people living today are further removed from firsthand accounts, and proper perspective can be lost over time. One of the common misconceptions about Ruth was that he was grossly overweight and unathletic. This has been perpetuated in Hollywood as well, from the small screen to the big screen.
While Ruth's lifestyle certainly caught up to him later in his career, the occasional assertion about the legend's fitness couldn't be further from the truth. This fantastic Type I specimen of Ruth at the plate, taken by renowned photographer Charles M. Conlon in 1916, proves it. As a young man, Ruth was in excellent physical shape, powerful and agile. Even after he started to put on weight as the years went by, Ruth remained surprisingly nimble for a man of his stature. It wasn't until the very end of his career that Ruth lost the otherworldly ability that made him such an attraction.
This recognizable 6.5" by 9.5" photo is arguably the most often published and finest batting image of Ruth from his Boston Red Sox days. Many Ruth action shots from this period lack the immense contrast and clarity exhibited by this Conlon classic. The fine detail is evident to the viewer, from the distinct grain pattern on the bat to the dirt moving around his front foot as the slugger uncoils. At the time of this writing, this was one of two Type I copies known, with this photo being the superior example of the two in terms of condition. As a result of its exemplary features, this photo achieved Best-In-Class status.