An exceedingly rare and highly sought-after 1915 Boston Red Sox team postcard, which notably includes Babe Ruth in his debut season, is set to be featured in an upcoming auction later this month. This piece of baseball memorabilia is one of just ten such graded postcards known to exist, making it a remarkable find for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The auction house, Heritage Auctions, is poised to present this item, which is notable for being the highest-graded example of any Babe Ruth rookie year card, in its highly anticipated February Platinum Auction. This particular card has received a PSA rating of 6 and carries a pre-sale estimate that suggests it could fetch upwards of $1 million.
The postcard itself depicts the Red Sox team, labeling them as the “American League Champions,” a title that hints at the card’s issuance time frame, possibly before or during the 1915 World Series. Babe Ruth is prominently featured in the back row of the team photograph.
During that year’s World Series, the Red Sox played their games at Braves Field, the stadium belonging to the city’s National League team. This choice was made due to Braves Field’s larger seating capacity compared to Fenway Park, which was a relatively new construction at the time.
On the postcard, each member of the Red Sox team is identified by surname and playing position. Notably, Ruth is shown standing next to Carl Mays, another rookie pitcher. Mays would later join Ruth in playing for the 1920 New York Yankees and is infamously remembered for a tragic incident in which his pitch struck and killed Cleveland player Ray Chapman in August of that year. The card also features Hall of Famers Tris Speaker and Harry Hooper.
This auction comes on the heels of the recent sale of a 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth card, which sold for a staggering $7.25 million. Interestingly, both the 1914 and 1915 cards have the same graded population of ten each.
Heritage Auctions has described this 1915 postcard as one of the most significant trading cards ever to be offered in the hobby’s auction market, underscoring its rarity and historical value.
Prospective bidders and interested parties should note that the auction bidding is set to commence on February 2nd, marking a significant event for baseball history collectors and fans of Babe Ruth alike. This is an opportunity for fans to own a piece of history and for collectors to add a highly coveted item to their collections. The auction is expected to generate considerable excitement and compete for the attention of passionate collectors.
Babe Ruth’s rookie season was the beginning of a legendary career that would forever change the sport of baseball. His impact on the game and his larger-than-life persona have made him one of the most iconic figures in sports history. Owning a piece of memorabilia from Ruth’s rookie year is a unique opportunity to connect with the roots of the sport and to own a tangible piece of baseball history.
As the auction date approaches, anticipation continues to build among potential bidders and enthusiasts. The high pre-sale estimate of $1 million reflects the rarity and significance of this Babe Ruth rookie season postcard. The opportunity to own such a rare and historic item is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for collectors and fans alike. The auction will undoubtedly attract attention from across the globe, as passionate individuals vie for the chance to possess this remarkable piece of baseball history.
In conclusion, the upcoming auction of the 1915 Boston Red Sox team postcard, featuring Babe Ruth in his debut season, is generating excitement among collectors and fans alike. With only ten known to exist, this highly sought-after piece of memorabilia is of great historical value. The auction presents an opportunity to own a significant piece of baseball history and to connect with the legendary career of Babe Ruth.
