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1964 Babe Ruth "Sultan of Swat Award" Crown Presented to Harmon Killebrew with Photos of Presentation!...
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Sold on Feb 24, 2024 for:
$51,600.00
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Description
A "Killer" keepsake linking two long ball leviathans!
1964 Babe Ruth "Sultan of Swat Award" Crown Presented to Harmon
Killebrew with Photos of Presentation! From a standpoint of
pure aesthetics, this might be our favorite baseball award of all,
a regal lifetime achievement award presented in honor of
Baltimore's favorite baseball son by the Maryland Professional
Baseball Players Association. The honor was created in 1956, at
which point it was presented to the player with the highest
slugging percentage. Originally called "The Sultan of Swat Award,"
its recipients read like a who's who of baseball legends: Mantle,
Aaron, Williams, Mays, Banks. In later years, along with the shift
in terminology, the award would come to be presented to retired
ballplayers instead, still honoring the elite hitter which its
namesake exemplified.Killebrew did lead the American League in slugging percentage in 1963, but not during the 1964 season this regal prize represents. It's clear that Killer's Junior Circuit-topping tally of forty-nine home runs was the leading cause for his recognition and, frankly, we like the Ruth Crown best as a symbol of long ball supremacy.
The full text is a mix of engraving and cut golden metal stencils that runs the full perimeter of the exterior band, reading as follows:
"Babe Ruth, Sultan of Swat Award, Presented To, Harmon Killebrew, For Outstanding Batting Achievement, 1964, Maryland Professional Baseball Players Association. Batting Average .270, Home Runs - 49, R.B.I.'s - 111, Slugging Pct .548."
Condition is absolutely spectacular, with only a few insignificant light scratches to report and no damage to the red velvet peak. It's unquestionably the finest example from a condition standpoint that Heritage has encountered. The crown is accompanied by two photographs of Killebrew being honored that night, and a third at home with his young daughter, the subject award featured prominently in each image. Photographic documentation.
Auction Info
2024 February 24 - 25 Winter Platinum Night Sports Auction #50068 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
February, 2024
24th-25th
Saturday-Sunday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 18
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 993
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
20% of the successful bid per lot.
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