An incredibly rare and coveted piece of baseball memorabilia is set to be auctioned off later this month. Heritage Auctions will feature a 1915 Boston Red Sox team postcard, which includes none other than Babe Ruth during his rookie season. This particular postcard is one of just ten that have been graded and known to exist, making it a true gem for collectors and fans alike.
What makes this postcard even more remarkable is that it is the highest-graded example of any Babe Ruth rookie year card. With a PSA rating of 6, this card has captured the attention of enthusiasts and experts alike. The pre-sale estimate for this extraordinary piece suggests that it could fetch upwards of $1 million.
The postcard captures the image of the Red Sox team, proudly labeled as the “American League Champions.” This title indicates that the postcard was likely issued before or during the 1915 World Series. Notably, Babe Ruth can be seen in the back row of the team photograph, showcasing his presence during this historic season.
During the 1915 World Series, the Red Sox played their games at Braves Field, the stadium belonging to the city’s National League team. This decision was made due to Braves Field’s larger seating capacity compared to Fenway Park, which was still a relatively new construction at the time.
Each member of the Red Sox team is identified by surname and playing position on the postcard. It is fascinating to see Ruth standing next to Carl Mays, another rookie pitcher. Mays would go on to join Ruth in playing for the 1920 New York Yankees and is unfortunately remembered for a tragic incident in which his pitch struck and killed Cleveland player Ray Chapman in August of that year. The postcard also showcases Hall of Famers Tris Speaker and Harry Hooper.
This upcoming auction follows the recent sale of a 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth card, which fetched an astonishing $7.25 million. Interestingly, both the 1914 and 1915 cards have a graded population of just ten each.
Heritage Auctions has labeled this 1915 postcard as one of the most significant trading cards ever to be offered in the hobby’s auction market. Its rarity and historical value cannot be overstated, making it a coveted item that is sure to attract attention from collectors and baseball history enthusiasts.
Prospective bidders and those interested in baseball history should mark their calendars for February 2nd when the auction bidding will commence. This event presents a unique opportunity to own a piece of history and a remarkable tribute to the legendary Babe Ruth. Don’t miss out on the chance to become the proud owner of this extraordinary 1915 Boston Red Sox team postcard.