In the world of sports memorabilia, the opportunity to own a piece of baseball history is always highly anticipated. This time, it comes in the form of a Spalding baseball glove from 1916, adorned with not one, but two signatures of the legendary Babe Ruth. The glove, authenticated for use in the 1916 World Series, has become a centerpiece of Heritage Auctions’ latest offering and is expected to surpass the million-dollar mark.
Previously owned by entertainment icon Joe E. Brown, who collected sports memorabilia during the 1930s, this glove is a window into the past. While Brown may have faded from public memory, his legacy lives on through the items he once possessed. Among his precious possessions, this glove stands out as one of the crown jewels of his impressive collection.
What makes this glove truly extraordinary are the dual signatures of Babe Ruth. The first signature, originating from 1916, is shared with his Red Sox teammates who contributed to their World Series victory against the Brooklyn Robins. The second signature, accompanied by Ruth’s own handwriting stating, “Glove I used in the 1916 World Series,” was added later in acknowledgment of the glove’s significance in his early career. To further solidify its historical value, the glove also bears the autographs of Harry Hooper, Duffy Lewis, Larry Gardner, and Tillie Walker, teammates who were part of that monumental 1916 Red Sox team.
The auction for this remarkable piece began on a high note, with bidding quickly surpassing $300,000 within the first day. Collectors from around the world have shown strong interest, and Heritage Auctions is optimistic about the final hammer price reaching or even exceeding the $1 million mark. This auction follows the sale of another Babe Ruth-related item, a glove gifted to Jimmy Austin, which brought in a staggering $1.5 million in a previous auction, setting a precedent for the high market value of authentic Ruth memorabilia.
Authentication by Beckett and PSA/DNA has confirmed the legitimacy of the signatures, adding an extra layer of assurance for potential bidders. Steve Grad of Beckett, who examined the glove, expressed his excitement, stating that it was “the coolest thing I’ve ever seen.” This authentication solidifies the historical significance and authenticity of Ruth’s signatures, making the glove an even more desirable and valuable piece of baseball history.
The collection of Joe E. Brown, though once devastated by fire, continues to make a lasting impression in the world of sports memorabilia through items like this glove. Its auction not only offers collectors a unique opportunity to own a piece of baseball history but also serves as a tribute to the enduring legacy of Babe Ruth and the passionate collecting of Joe E. Brown. As the auction date draws near, the excitement and anticipation surrounding the sale only grow, guaranteeing a historic event that will be remembered for years to come.
