Babe Ruth and his Mighty Autograph

Babe Ruth is undoubtedly one of the greatest legends in the history of sports, and his mighty autograph is treasured by colletors.  Even children growing in the 21st century recognize the magical wonder of the Babe Ruth name.  In an area before the use steroids and other performance enhancing drugs tainted spectacular accomplishments on the field, there was Babe Ruth.  Babe Ruth could be criticized for eating too many hot dogs or reckless episodes of betting on almost anything, but his performance was spectacular.

The mighty Babe Ruth amazed fans with towering home runs.  Before his career with the New York Yankees, the Babe was equally as impressive as a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox.  His autographs have increased in desirability and value of the years.  Checks signed by Babe Ruth sold for about $1,000 in the early 1990s.  The cost was considered exorbitant.  Now, the same checks are sold at auction for at least three times that amount.  Collectors avidly collect Babe Ruth autographs even as prices for his autograph continue to escalate in value.  As long as the legend of Babe Ruth is remembered, collectors will treasure the autograph of the Babe.

The mighty Babe was always a generous signer of autographs.  He loved to spend time meeting children after baseball games and signed almost anything and everything that was present to him for signing.  The Babe even responded to an autograph request from England when he was addressed as "Dear Madam".  Rather than not responding, or responding with anger, the Babe answered with a terse handwritten response: "Sincerely Babe Ruth.  A Ball player not a girl."

Prior to 1928, Ruth signed his first name with quotation marks around "Babe".  This form of his autograph sells at a higher value than the usual Babe Ruth.  Programs, baseball bats, baseball cards, photos, promotional trinkets, and letters signed by Ruth are common.  However, because of the high price they command, an increasing number with forged signatures are appearing on the autograph market.  Because of increased likelihood of authenticity, many autograph collectors prefer documents such as personal checks signed by Ruth.  Checks signed by Ruth are typically signed "G. H. Ruth".  Checks he signed for $50.00 are checks that his wife Claire and his manager made him sign for allowance.  Details of Babe Ruth's financial life and the way he handled checks are found in the book Money Secrets of the Rich and Famous.  Excerpts from this fascinating book are maintained in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Songwriter Bob Dylan referred to Babe Ruth as a legendary figure.  Babe Ruth will live on and be respected as one of the greatest players in the history of sports.  His mighty autograph will continue to be treasured by collectors all over the world.  Many autograph aficionados consider Babe Ruth's autograph as the holy grail of baseball autographs.

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