A piece of baseball history recently resurfaced in Danvers, Massachusetts, as a rare 1916 Babe Ruth rookie card came to light, tracing back to his early days as a Boston Red Sox pitcher. The card, hailing from a unique promotional series by Morehouse Bakery in Lawrence, has long been revered as a treasure among collectors. Its unearthing has set off ripples of thrill and anticipation in the vintage card collecting realm.
Jeff Gross, a devoted collector based in Newburyport, shared the captivating tale of the remarkable discovery. The narrative commenced at a family estate sale in Danvers, where Gross engaged in a casual chat with a visitor about baseball cards.
“I inquired about Babe Ruth Morehouse Bakery cards, to which he replied affirmatively,” reminisced Gross. The individual, opting to remain anonymous, disclosed that his father had a collection of the Morehouse Bakery series, comprising over 100 cards that had been stored away for decades. Among this cache were two Babe Ruth rookie cards.
“This is Babe Ruth in 1916,” remarked Gross. “He stood as a slender left-handed pitcher for the Red Sox at the time, a far cry from the home-run-smashing Yankee icon we revere today.”
The distinctive value of the Morehouse Bakery cards lies in the advertisement embellishing their backs. As elucidated by PJ Kinsella from Robert Edward Auctions, this feature contributes significantly to their rarity and worth.
“The presence of the Morehouse Baking ad on the reverse truly distinguishes this collection,” Kinsella emphasized. The Babe Ruth rookie card in better condition is anticipated to command a minimum of $500,000 at auction.
Gross, a seasoned collector, is aiding the card’s proprietor in the sale process. The auction is scheduled to kick off on Friday, with Gross intending to mark the occasion by hosting a bid-watching celebration alongside the card’s owner and spouse.
“Someone jokingly asked me if he realizes he’s hit the jackpot, and I quipped, ‘He knows now,'” Gross chuckled. “I teasingly mentioned to my wife that perhaps we should persist with yard sales, in hopes of stumbling upon the next million-dollar assortment.”
This discovery contributes to a year brimming with notable baseball card unveilings in Massachusetts. Earlier in 2024, an unopened pack of 1952 Bowman baseball cards emerged during a residence demolition in Chatham. This sealed pack also holds the potential of fetching up to a million dollars.
At present, the spotlight gracefully rests on the Babe Ruth rookie card—an extraordinary relic from baseball’s gilded era and a testament to the lasting allure of unraveling hidden gems.
Venturing into Baseball Card Castle in Cranberry, the pursuit for rare finds ensues with each fresh card delivery.
“This marks the eighth day of a venture unlike any card expedition we’ve encountered,” reflected Jeff Patton, the establishment’s proprietor.
Amidst the palpable excitement, collectors stand poised to test their luck. Customers like Joe Balcik of Monroeville exude optimism and ambition.
“I’ve heard talks of substantial rewards for landing the right card,” Balcik remarked. His tactic? “I figured I’d draw some from the top, others from the middle, and a few from the bottom.”
For Georgia Krastek from McCandless, the quest holds a personal significance. A fervent Pirates enthusiast who attended 23 games in the season, securing Paul Skenes’ autograph became her mission.
“I attempted all year to secure Paul Skenes’ autograph, but alas, it eluded me,” lamented Krastek.
What was once a pastime has morphed into a phenomenon since the Pirates unveiled their remarkable offering. The pursuit, previously reserved for seasoned collectors, has now captivated a broader audience, attracting participants from diverse backgrounds.
“Now it’s not only the regular collectors,” Patton observed. “Even grandparents are stepping in, expressing their desire to involve their grandchildren in this venture.”
With a reward as alluring as decades of premium seating at PNC Park, the fervor surrounding the quest is entirely understandable.
“I’d unquestionably seize the opportunity,” Krastek mused optimistically. “And I have a hunch my grandsons would pay more frequent visits too.”
The clamor for the sought-after card continues to surge, propelling Patton into a whirlwind of efforts to meet the escalating demand.
“The waitlist continues to lengthen,” Patton disclosed. “We’re already preparing for tomorrow’s allocation. We pledge product for tomorrow, and we’ll procure it by any means necessary.”
While the elusive card remains just out of reach, the fervent aspiration persists among collectors as they unwrap each pack, nurturing hopes of a serendipitous discovery.
“I keep holding onto the prospect,” Krastek affirmed, embodying unwavering optimism.
As the thrilling pursuit endures, one aspect remains resolute: this odyssey has united fans, families, and collectors in their shared quest for something truly extraordinary.
