Babe Ruth’s 1914 Rookie Card Sells for Over $4M
Babe Ruth’s 1914 rookie card recently achieved a remarkable sale price of over $4 million at Heritage Auctions. This record-setting bid took place during the Fall Sports Catalog Auction, emphasizing the card’s immense value among collectors.
Details of the 1914 Babe Ruth Rookie Card
The card, known as the 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth rookie card, is significant for several reasons. First, it dates back to a time when Ruth was merely a 19-year-old minor league pitcher.
Notably, fewer than 10 of these cards are known to exist, contributing to its exclusivity. Chris Ivy, the director of sports auctions at Heritage, highlighted its rarity, stating that only ten examples have been graded and encapsulated.
Historical Context
Babe Ruth, often referred to as “The Sultan of Swat,” has left an indelible mark on baseball history. Ruth began his career as a pitcher with the Boston Red Sox before transforming into one of the sport’s most iconic sluggers with the New York Yankees from 1920 to 1934.
- Name: George Herman Ruth
- Years active: 1914–1934
- Teams: Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees
- Birthplace: Baltimore, Maryland
- Date of birth: February 6, 1895
- Date of death: August 16, 1948
Significance of the Auction
This auction marked only the second instance in the past decade that a 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth card was available for bidding. The extraordinary sale price reflects not just the card’s rarity but also the intense collector interest surrounding Babe Ruth memorabilia.
Prior to the auction, the card was on display at the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum in Baltimore, ensuring that its historical significance was celebrated even before its sale.
The hefty price tag underscores the enduring legacy of Babe Ruth, whose influence continues to resonate in the world of baseball collectibles.
