Auction Item Details
Lot 268
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Lot Number: 268
Description: Significant July 11, 1914 Babe Ruth first Major League game lineup card originating from the collection of HOF umpire Tommy Connolly. On July 11, 1914 Connolly, along with umpire O.Loughlin, presided over a game played between the Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Naps at Fenway Park in Boston. The game was, for the most part, fairly insignificant save for the debut of a young pitcher by the name of George "Babe" Ruth. Ruth played in his first Major League game on this date departing with a no decision after six innings. Ruth surrendered only five hits and one run to the mighty Cleveland team whose lineup included Nap Lajoie and Joe Jackson. Ironically, on the offensive side of the ball, Ruth struck out in his first at bat. The lineup card itself is neatly penned in Connolly's hand, including positions, date, site, umpires (including a last name autograph of Connolly), and even the substitution of left fielder Duffy Lewis for Olaf Henriksen (misspelled 'Hendrickson' by Connolly). The Babe is simply listed as "Ruth-P." just above the name of the substitute Duffy. The size of the card is 4 1/4"x 4 1/2" with a single horizontal fold line. Given the impeccable provenance of the offered card and the mundane nature of Ruth's debut, the card is certainly unique and possibly one of the more significant lineup cards of its type extant. Includes LOA from James Spence Authentication (Connolly last name signature) and a letter of provenance: EX
Estimated Price: ($15,000.00-$20,000.00)
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