A historic piece of baseball memorabilia has recently been uncovered, sending shockwaves through the realm of sports collectors around the globe. Nestled in Danvers, Massachusetts, a 1916 Babe Ruth rookie card was stumbled upon, harkening back to the days when the legendary figure was honing his skills as a southpaw pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. This particular card, from a scarce promotional series by Morehouse Bakery in Lawrence, has long been a coveted gem among aficionados of vintage cards.
The intriguing tale of this remarkable discovery was narrated by Jeff Gross, a devoted collector based in Newburyport, renowned for his ardor for rare baseball artifacts. The serendipitous journey began at a humble family estate sale in Danvers, where Gross struck up a casual conversation with a visitor, sparking the remarkable revelation.
Engaging in conversation, Gross inquired about the existence of Babe Ruth Morehouse Bakery cards, to which the visitor responded affirmatively, alluding to possessing not just one, but two Babe Ruth rookie cards. These pieces, encapsulated in a collection of over 100 cards, had been meticulously stored away in boxes for countless years, awaiting their moment to resurface into the limelight.
Describing the significance of the find, Gross highlighted the unique period in Ruth’s career captured by the card, referring to the baseball icon as a lean left-handed hurler for the Red Sox, far removed from the towering Yankee slugger he would eventually become in the annals of baseball history.
What sets the Morehouse Bakery cards apart and elevates their value is the advertising emblazoned on the backs of these vintage treasures. PJ Kinsella, representing Robert Edward Auctions, emphasized the distinctiveness added by the Morehouse Baking advertisement, attributing to the exceptional nature and worth of this collection. With estimates suggesting that a well-preserved Babe Ruth rookie card from this series could command a starting bid of at least $500,000 at auction, the excitement surrounding its unveiling is palpable.
Stepping into the role of a seasoned guide, Gross is assisting the fortunate owner of the card through the intricate process of showcasing and eventually selling this unparalleled find. As the countdown to the auction commences, plans for a celebratory bid-watching party are underway, allowing the owner and esteemed guests to revel in the anticipation of what promises to be a thrilling auction event.
The unearthing of this Babe Ruth rookie card marks yet another fascinating chapter in the tapestry of baseball card discoveries within Massachusetts. Earlier in the year, the unearthing of an unopened pack of 1952 Bowman baseball cards during a Chatham home demolition hinted at the potential for a valuable windfall, with speculations pointing towards a possible million-dollar valuation for the pristine relic.
Amidst the whirlwind of excitement and anticipation circling the Babe Ruth rookie card, the focus remains steadfast on this rare artifact, serving as a poignant reminder of baseball’s illustrious past and the enduring allure of unearthing hidden treasures from a bygone era.
