Babe Ruth Dual Signed 1945 Check - PSA/DNA

• Sold For: $4,305
• Year: 1945
• Auction: 2019 May
• Lot #: 2
• Auction Category: Autographed Baseballs/Flats/Photos

Defined by tape-measure home runs throughout an era during which only he hit them with any regularity, Babe Ruth was the antithesis of moderation in his every last endeavor. His flair for drama never waned in the least, nor did his desire to manage and his penchant for reckless spending. Representing these readily identifiable traits, this check was composed by Ruth in 1945 and showcases one of the most glorious and bold endorsements you’ll ever behold. Long-since retired from his role as an active player, his on-field performances were limited to exhibitions benefiting the war effort. In a 1942 old-timers game at Yankee Stadium, Ruth made his first appearance at his eponymously nicknamed stadium since his 1934 Yankee swan song. Facing Walter Johnson, Ruth watched seven deliveries before launching one high and deep to right field. While the clout ultimately sailed foul, Ruth accepted it as a home run and trotted the bases, anyway. Succumbing to Ruth’s interpretation, the crowd cheered wildly. Content with limited “playing” appearances, Ruth still clung to hopes of taking the helm somewhere, anywhere. Having finally accepted the possibility of starting small, Ruth asked new Yankee General Manager Larry MacPhail for an opportunity managing the club’s Newark affiliate. MacPhail responded (by mail), asking Ruth to consider involvement in the New York City-sponsored sandlot league. Sight unseen, Ruth recognized the correspondence as the final humiliation. “That’s bad news,” Ruth said of the letter. “When it’s good news, they telephone.” And so he went back to golf, hunting, bowling and nights on the town. Hence, the likely purpose of this personal check. Drawn from Ruth’s personal account at New York’s Chase National Bank, the voucher is dated (entirely in Ruth’s hand) “Sept 15 45” and made out to “Cash” in the amount of “50.00.” Encapsulated by PSA/DNA with autograph assessed “Authentic,” the document is signed “G H Ruth” on the appropriate line in black-ink steel tip fountain pen. The magnificent scripting trumpets “perfect 10” strength and clarity, with slight pencil overlapping visible in the last name. On the reverse, Ruth has signed “G H Ruth” (“8-9” strength) in black-ink steel tip fountain pen. The voucher features normal cancelation stampings and hole punchings, none of which affect either of Ruth’s bold pennings.