Object Details
signer
Ruth, Babe
maker
Spalding
Description
The New York Yankees' legendary "Sultan of Swat" signed this baseball for a fan during a visit to Scranton, Pennsylvania.
A neglected and delinquent child, George Herman Ruth, Jr. (1895-1948), best known as Babe Ruth, discovered his love for baseball while living at St. Mary's Industrial School for Boys in Baltimore. He began his major-league career as a star pitcher, but was reassigned to the outfield due to his powerful swing. With his record-setting home runs—60 in one season, 714 career total—and larger-than-life personality, Ruth thrilled fans and redefined the character of America's national pastime.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of Juliana C. and Robert M. Jones in memory of their father, Thomas J. Jones
ID Number
1993.0460.01
catalog number
1993.0460.01
accession number
1993.0460
Object Name
baseball, autographed
Physical Description
cork, cushioned (overall material)
rubber (overall material)
yarn (overall material)
horsehide (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 3 in; 7.62 cm
Related Publication
Kendrick, Kathleen M. and Peter C. Liebhold. Smithsonian Treasures of American History
See more items in
Culture and the Arts: Sport and Leisure
National Treasures exhibit
Autographed Baseballs
Data Source
National Museum of American History
web subject
Sports
name of sport
Baseball
level of sport
Professional
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_1163317