- More
1924 Babe Ruth Signed New York Yankees Payroll Check, PSA/DNA Mint 9....
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Description
The Earliest Ruth Yankees Check Known!
1924 Babe Ruth Signed New York Yankees Payroll Check, PSA/DNA Mint 9. One of the most exciting and desirable Ruth autographs to surface in the collecting hobby in recent memory is this exceedingly rare New York Yankees payroll check, compensating the game's premier slugger for his first two weeks defending the franchise's inaugural World Championship. The surviving examples from the Bambino's fifteen seasons of pinstriped service could be counted on two hands with fingers left over, but none predate the offered specimen, establishing this as arguably the most desirable of that thin supply.Though Walter Johnson's Washington Senators would deny the Yankees the opportunity to repeat as World Champions, the 1924 campaign would prove to be one of the Babe's finest personally, the only season of his career that he claimed the American League batting title, with an impressive .378 tally. His home run total was once again tops in the Junior Circuit at forty-six, but fellow Hall of Famer Goose Goslin would deny Triple Crown honors with eight more runs batted in.
The check is boldly headlined "The American League Base Ball Club of New York, Inc." and made payable to "George H. Ruth" for the sum of "$4055.36." Team owner Jacob Ruppert approves the payment with a bold black fountain pen signature at lower right, while Hall of Fame executive Ed Barrow countersigns at left edge. Reverse features typed text noting the pay period, and a rather sizeable deduction, almost certainly for expenses incurred during Ruth's typically boisterous spring training exploits. The legendary slugger begins to endorse the check below but stops as the fountain pen malfunctions, dropping down to complete his attempt at a rare and flawlessly rendered "George H. Ruth" exemplar.
The enormous generosity of the game's greatest figure has served the modern hobby well, and it's a testament to the Babe's continued supreme baseball relevance that prices for his autograph continue to climb despite the widespread availability. But this is no ordinary Ruth autograph. Signed photos and baseballs abound, but documents directly relating to his service to the team he redefined as America's premier sports franchise are few and far between. Truly educated collectors, and those with particularly refined tastes, will see the distinction. Encapsulated by PSA/DNA, Mint 9. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
*A donation of $100 to the American Red Cross is required to attend the Live auction.
More information about Babe Ruth.
Auction Info
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid (minimum $14) per lot.
Calculate Standard Domestic Shipping Sales Tax information
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms
Floor auctions
Open for bidding: (View All)US Coins
Ends on 02/25/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 02/25/2021
Photography
Ends on 02/25/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 02/26/2021
Historical
Ends on 02/27/2021
Sports Collectibles
Ends on 02/27/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 02/28/2021
Currency
Ends on 02/28/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 03/03/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 03/04/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Ends on 03/05/2021
US Coins
Ends on 03/08/2021
Photography
Ends on 03/10/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 03/11/2021
Decorative Art
Ends on 03/11/2021
Fine & Rare Wine
Ends on 03/12/2021
Western & Texas Art
Ends on 03/12/2021
Comics & Comic Art
Ends on 03/13/2021
US Coins
Ends on 03/15/2021
Decorative Art
Ends on 03/16/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 03/17/2021
Nature & Science
Ends on 03/19/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 03/21/2021
US Coins
Ends on 03/22/2021
US Coins
Opens about 02/26/2021
Sports Collectibles
Opens about 03/04/2021
Luxury Real Estate
Opens about 01/22/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 03/03/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Opens about 03/01/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Opens about 03/08/2021
Comics & Comic Art
Opens about 02/25/2021
Movie Posters
Opens about 03/05/2021
Comics & Comic Art
Opens about 03/12/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Opens about 03/07/2021
Currency
Opens about 03/08/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 03/17/2021
Comics & Comic Art
Opens about 03/19/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 03/18/2021
US Coins
Opens about 03/08/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Opens about 02/24/2021
Photography
Opens about 03/19/2021
Musical Instruments
Opens about 03/23/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 03/23/2021
Photography
Opens about 03/24/2021
Currency
Opens about 03/26/2021
US Coins
Opens about 03/16/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 03/26/2021
Historical
Opens about 03/29/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Opens about 03/21/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 03/31/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 04/01/2021
US Coins
Opens about 03/22/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Opens about 03/28/2021
Heritage membership
- Past Auction Values (prices, photos, full descriptions, etc.)
- Bid online
- Free Collector newsletter
- Want List with instant e-mail notifications
- Reduced auction commissions when you resell your
winnings
- Cash Advances
- More Bidders
- Trusted Experts
- Over 200,000 Satisfied Consignors Since 1976
Learn about consigning with us
I just wanted to let you know how thrilled I am with the results of the auction. Friday night was a blast. I had a hard time sleeping I was so pumped up.View More Testimonials
Video tutorial
Getting the most out of search