A remarkable piece of sports memorabilia is taking center stage at Heritage Auctions as a Spalding baseball glove from 1916, signed not once, but twice by Babe Ruth, captures the attention of collectors. This glove holds a special place in baseball history, as it was used by Ruth during the 1916 World Series when he played for the Boston Red Sox. Experts are predicting that the final hammer price for this rare artifact will exceed one million dollars, reflecting its historical significance and rarity.
The journey of this glove to the auction block is as fascinating as its former owner. Once belonging to Joe E. Brown, a celebrated figure in the realms of acting, comedy, and sports broadcasting during the 1930s, the glove is a relic from a bygone era. Brown, known for his passion for sports memorabilia, had built an impressive collection that included this glove as one of its prized possessions. While Brown’s fame may have faded over time, his legacy lives on through this remarkable piece and others like it.
What makes this glove truly exceptional are Babe Ruth’s dual signatures. The first signature dates back to 1916, a memento of Ruth’s teammates who contributed to the Boston Red Sox’s victory in the World Series against the Brooklyn Robins. The second signature, accompanied by Ruth’s handwritten note stating “Glove I used in the 1916 World Series,” was added later, showcasing Ruth’s recognition of the glove’s importance in his early career. In addition to Ruth’s autographs, the glove also bears the signatures of Harry Hooper, Duffy Lewis, Larry Gardner, and Tillie Walker, further enhancing its value as a significant piece of baseball history.
The initial bidding for the glove has been fervent, surpassing $300,000 within the first day of the auction. This early momentum indicates strong interest from collectors worldwide, and Heritage Auctions is hopeful that the final price will reach or even exceed the one million dollar mark. The auction of this glove follows the sale of another Ruth-related item, a glove gifted to Jimmy Austin, which fetched an impressive $1.5 million in a previous auction, setting a precedent for the high market value of authentic Ruth memorabilia.
The authenticity of the signatures has been confirmed by Beckett and PSA/DNA, two reputable authentication companies. Steve Grad of Beckett described the examination as “the coolest thing I’ve ever seen,” further adding to the glove’s appeal and providing assurance to potential bidders regarding the legitimacy of Ruth’s signatures and the historical significance of the glove.
Joe E. Brown’s collection, once devastated by fire, continues to make an impact in the world of sports memorabilia through items like this glove. The auction of this glove presents a unique opportunity for collectors to own a tangible piece of baseball history, while also serving as a tribute to the enduring legacy of Babe Ruth and Joe E. Brown’s passionate collecting. As the auction date approaches, excitement and anticipation continue to build, promising a historic sale that will be remembered for years to come.
