An exceedingly rare and highly sought-after piece of baseball memorabilia is making its way to auction this month. A 1915 Boston Red Sox team postcard, which prominently features Babe Ruth in his debut season, will be presented by Heritage Auctions in their upcoming February Platinum Auction. This postcard is one of only ten known graded examples, making it a remarkable find for collectors and baseball enthusiasts around the world.
The highlight of this auction item is that it is the highest-graded Babe Ruth rookie year card available. With a PSA rating of 6, the postcard is expected to fetch upwards of $1 million. The value of this card is further enhanced by its historical significance and rarity.
The postcard showcases the 1915 Red Sox team, labeled as the “American League Champions,” indicating its issuance around the time of the 1915 World Series. The team photograph features Babe Ruth prominently in the back row alongside fellow rookie pitcher Carl Mays. It is interesting to note that Mays would later join Ruth in playing for the 1920 New York Yankees and is remembered for a tragic incident involving a pitch that struck and killed a Cleveland player, Ray Chapman, in August of that year. The postcard also includes well-known Hall of Famers Tris Speaker and Harry Hooper.
During the 1915 World Series, the Red Sox played their games at Braves Field instead of their home stadium, Fenway Park. Braves Field had a larger seating capacity, making it the preferred choice at the time. The postcard captures a significant moment in baseball history, showcasing the team that went on to win the World Series that year.
The upcoming auction follows the recent sale of a 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth card, which fetched an astonishing $7.25 million. Both the 1914 and 1915 cards have a population of only ten graded examples, adding to their rarity and desirability among collectors.
Heritage Auctions has described this 1915 postcard as one of the most significant trading cards ever to be featured in the hobby’s auction market. Its rarity and historical value make it an exceptional piece for any baseball memorabilia collection.
Prospective bidders and fans of Babe Ruth will have the opportunity to participate in the auction starting on February 2nd. This event marks a momentous occasion for baseball history collectors, as they eagerly await the chance to own a piece of Babe Ruth’s rookie season and the iconic 1915 Red Sox team.
In conclusion, the upcoming auction of the 1915 Boston Red Sox team postcard featuring Babe Ruth is generating significant excitement among collectors and fans alike. With its rarity, high grading, and historical significance, this postcard is expected to become a prized possession for the lucky bidder willing to invest in a piece of baseball history.