Babe Ruth Item - What would you buy with $500?

[STL1944]

Ok... random question for the group.


I am involved with planning a work event. As a part of the event we have someone doing a talk where they will be using the example of the Red Sox "selling" Babe Ruth to the Yankees in 1919.

As a part of the event, we would love to give away a piece of Babe Ruth memorabilia. We can pretty much do anything. So.... if you had $500 to spend on a Babe Ruth item, what would it be?

Please refrain from suggesting 1984 Donruss Grand Champions.... :-)


Thanks for your help!

[Bestdj777]

I like the Japanese postcard he was on. It's career contemporary, can be had for a reasonable price, and is just a fascinating piece.

[mattsey9]

I saw a nice looking 35 Goudey for 400 bucks last weekend. I'd buy that one. Technically a lower condition but presented great.

[bnorth]

I am probably in the minority but I like the 32 Sanella card. It is from during his playing career and a very nice looking card in a SGC slab.

[vthobby]

$500 is a tough number for the Bambino but stuff is out there. "If" you can convince your work to fork out $650 (or maybe you can get it reduced?), there is a beautiful 1929 R316 Kashin on this very BST board.

214138

Just scroll down bit on the 1920s section. I was seriously thinking of buying it but I think it would be a great prize for your event!

Peace, mike

[edjs]

$500 is a tough number for the Bambino but stuff is out there. "If" you can convince your work to fork out $650 (or maybe you can get it reduced?), there is a beautiful 1929 R316 Kashin on this very BST board.

214138

Just scroll down bit on the 1920s section. I was seriously thinking of buying it but I think it would be a great prize for your event!

Peace, mike

+1 The Kashin looks great.

[bn2cardz]

You just missed the RMY auction, but vintage photos of Ruth can be had at some great prices.

For instance this one from 1929 sold for $315 (not to me) in the most recent RMY auction.

http://rmyauctions.com/ItemImages/000015/15554a_med.jpeg

[x2drich2000]

The Kashin is a great card for the price. I would also possibly consider the R309-1 and get it framed.

DJ

[Jobu]

If you went churchmans and sanella you could probably give out two prizes for 500. Even though they aren't too highly collected, I think they are both great looking cards.

(side note: if anyone has an astra ruth, shoot me a pm)

[yanksfan09]

Maybe a low grade Exhibit?

[WillowGrove]

Maybe a low grade Exhibit?

Exactly what I was going to suggest. Good luck!

[STL1944]

I really appreciate the thoughts! Great stuff!

[WillBBC]

Can somebody who collects this era of cards explain why the Sanella Ruth cards are so affordable? I'm truly clueless about these types of cards and can't quite seem to figure out why they're so cheap. Great looking pieces all over eBay!

[ullmandds]

personally i'd go with a super low grade goudey that presented well...or an exhibit...I'd avoid the lesser collected issues such as sanella, and shonen postcards.

[ullmandds]

Can somebody who collects this era of cards explain why the Sanella Ruth cards are so affordable? I'm truly clueless about these types of cards and can't quite seem to figure out why they're so cheap. Great looking pieces all over eBay!

sanellas are so affordable because they were made in germany and distributed in sets I believe that were stuck into a book. They are very thin. Most were stuck in these books therefore were preserved very well...and they appear to have been distributed in great numbers.

[Bpm0014]

Original Type I picture for sure.

[Topps206]

There are probably some lower grade 33 Goudeys I could find at that price.

Edit: I guess not. Only one severely damaged one is less than $500.00 on the Bay. There is a graded one at $515.00. The cards are still a drop in the bucket compated to Plank, much less Wagner.

[RCMcKenzie]

I agree with the 1935 Goudey if you are giving it away at an event as a prize... as it is an item that more people would recognize/appreciate... My .02...

[glchen]

Although not popular, I think you could get a decent looking strip card for around $500. Here are some examples.

[71buc]

I am partial to memorabilia so if not a type 1 photo how about one of these?

[Sean]

I'm partial to the Shonen Ruth. It's an attractive card, but relatively cheap:


214179

[MVSNYC]

Step it up to $600 (or so) and get a Kreindler Ruth study.

Now, that would be killer.

[yanksfan09]

Great idea on Kreindler study! Love mine!

Also another option would be the 1934 Goudey Premium (much larger than standard card) if you can find one...

[Leon]

another option.....just be careful :) ...I wish SGC would grade these. :(

http://luckeycards.com/pf52frojoyruth.jpg

[iwantitiwinit]

There is no argument this is the thing to offer:

http://www.hakes.com/item.asp?Auction=206&ItemNo=111674

[ullmandds]

There is no argument this is the thing to offer:

http://www.hakes.com/item.asp?Auction=206&ItemNo=111674

that's actually a really nice...rare period piece...imo!

[nebboy]

1934 Goudey Premium is a great choice if you don't mind the size. I just picked one up for myself and was impressed with it more when in hand.

[drcy]

Remember that what may be "rare and desirable" to the advanced baseball card collector may be little and ugly to the non-collector.

If the winner is going to be a non-collector, it should have eye appeal. And it doesn't have to be a baseball card.

[kmac32]

W572 Ruth strip card

[gemmint77]

Love those Ruth Cards. Thanks!!

[packs]

One of the low grade 1948 leaf cards would be a nice choice. You can usually get a PSA 1 or 1.5 for around $500.

[Tabe]

Remember that what may be "rare and desirable" to the advanced baseball card collector may be little and ugly to the non-collector.

If the winner is going to be a non-collector, it should have eye appeal. And it doesn't have to be a baseball card.

I completely agree. A number of the suggestions given, IMHO, would be considered "ugly" by the non-collector.

[khkco4bls]

Well here are my exhibit cards that I traded for a Duke Snider bat unfortunately they were trimmed but the Ruthis in good shape besides being trimmed.

[IronHorse2130]

I think it has great eye appeal so you don't have to be a collector to appreciate it. One sold recently on eBay for more than $500 but it was in excellent condition. I paid less than $300 for mine (granted that was a few years ago) because its in lesser condition but its still a great conversation piece.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1926-Milton-Bradley-Babe-Ruth-Baseball-Board-Game-/321871239805?hash=item4af1055a7d%3Ag%3A3BQAAOSwiLd V~u0E&nma=true&si=9l9Ha8O1hP2ttb8s2SCt%252F8nvReo%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

Mine:

[ullmandds]

I think a boardgame is too big of a commitment especially for a non-collector I mean what are they supposed to do with it ??? A small card can be put anywhere .

[Joshchisox08]

I have a nice framed "Curse of the Bambino" obviously replica of the document sale to the Yankees. It more or less looks like this:

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1280&bih=899&q=curse+of+the+bambino+sale&oq=curse+of+the+bambino+sale&gs_l=img.3...802.7166.0.7428.25.18.0.4.1.0.269.248 9.0j10j4.14.0....0...1ac.1.64.img..11.14.2317.CXww 5VdgNb0#imgrc=d-AhWeFnKqOcfM%3A

I sell it way cheaper than $500 too lol.

[Leon]

I think it has great eye appeal so you don't have to be a collector to appreciate it. One sold recently on eBay for more than $500 but it was in excellent condition. I paid less than $300 for mine (granted that was a few years ago) because its in lesser condition but its still a great conversation piece.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1926-Milton-Bradley-Babe-Ruth-Baseball-Board-Game-/321871239805?hash=item4af1055a7d%3Ag%3A3BQAAOSwiLd V~u0E&nma=true&si=9l9Ha8O1hP2ttb8s2SCt%252F8nvReo%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

Mine:

I believe I have seen the Ruth on this board game be cut out and represented as some kind of card. I guess it's not a lot different than some other things we collect as cards which were cut from something else. Cool pose.

[the 'stache]

Put me down for an original type I photo, or the '34 Goudey Premium. Both will have fantastic eye appeal.

[leaflover]

I might be a bit biased. Something like this would be my choice. A card that presents well, plus a Bio on the back. The best part you can probably get one for less than $500. AND it goes with the theme of the program.

[drcy]

I think for a non-collector, the Senella card would be good, because they are vintage to his playing days, nice looking and interesting-- and you can get a nice one for under $500.

The German Babe Ruth/Harold Lloyd 'Speedy' real photo movie postcard would be great, and under $500, but is probably hard to find. That's something both the collector and non-collector would appreciate.

http://www.cycleback.com/photoguide/pcruth.jpg

[brian1961]

I might be a bit biased. Something like this would be my choice. A card that presents well, plus a Bio on the back. The best part you can probably get one for less than $500. AND it goes with the theme of the program.

REGARDING THE 2013 NSCC PROMO The Card that Never Was 1915 CRACKER JACK BABE RUTH /500

I wholeheartedly agree. SCD editor Tom Bartsch was able to pick one up for me at the National Convention where it was given out. They only made 500, and it was crafted with the utmost thought and care. I prize it for its beauty, its historical accuracy, and even the fact PSA wisely endorsed the promotion. The PSA cert succinctly identifies it as a modern 1915 Cracker Jack fantasy card, as well as affirms its limited edition existence. For some frog collectors, 500 cards is way too big a pond to share, and thus not exclusive enough. Others wouldn't have it in their collection because it's a modern fantasy Babe Ruth, and not a vintage card of The Babe during his playing days. Methinks there's enough eye candy in this baby to go around and around with absolute delight!

One of the key factors to keep in mind is the fact most of the collectors who were privileged to get this prime free prize are holding tight onto it, as I am, and displaying this gorgeous Ruth with their original vintage cards, AND LOVING IT! :D

Think about it. With what a collector paid to get into the convention, in most cases having to stay at the host hotel and pay their hefty bill, and all the meals you would naturally need to purchase, the "free prize" WAS ANYTHING BUT FREE! Think about that, my friend. ---Brian Powell

[Leon]

Commemorative cards are great as long as they are marketed correctly. As for PSA endorsing it, that is fine too. I have seen a few of these for sale previously. For me, if I only had 1 Ruth item I would want it to be a period piece...but after that, the commemorative items display well. And if you aren't a pre-war collector would barely, if ever, know the difference. Collect what you enjoy.....This one wasn't under 500 but it's one of 2-5 cards I had to have again.....

REGARDING THE 2013 NSCC PROMO The Card that Never Was 1915 CRACKER JACK BABE RUTH /500

I wholeheartedly agree. SCD editor Tom Bartsch was able to pick one up for me at the National Convention where it was given out. They only made 500, and it was crafted with the utmost thought and care. I prize it for its beauty, its historical accuracy, and even the fact PSA wisely endorsed the promotion. The PSA cert succinctly identifies it as a modern 1915 Cracker Jack fantasy card, as well as affirms its limited edition existence. For some frog collectors, 500 cards is way too big a pond to share, and thus not exclusive enough. Others wouldn't have it in their collection because it's a modern fantasy Babe Ruth, and not a vintage card of The Babe during his playing days. Methinks there's enough eye candy in this baby to go around and around with absolute delight!

One of the key factors to keep in mind is the fact most of the collectors who were privileged to get this prime free prize are holding tight onto it, as I am, and displaying this gorgeous Ruth with their original vintage cards, AND LOVING IT! :D

Think about it. With what a collector paid to get into the convention, in most cases having to stay at the host hotel and pay their hefty bill, and all the meals you would naturally need to purchase, the "free prize" WAS ANYTHING BUT FREE! Think about that, my friend. ---Brian Powell

[packs]

I paid $515 for this one three or so years ago. It's possible to score one on your budget:

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m294/madjams/ruth.jpg

[ullmandds]

I paid $515 for this one three or so years ago. It's possible to score one on your budget:

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m294/madjams/ruth.jpg

not one like that!!!

[packs]

It happened to me. It could happen to you. Just be patient.

[brian1961]

Leon and Packs have shown you compelling cards from Babe's career that are do-able, though probably for more than 500 smackers. Period cards, those from the man's playing career, are the best. If you wish to have but one Ruth in your collection, and your heart's desire is a period Babe, by all means, forget what I said----go for the vintage!

I do wish to make sure you understand where I was coming from in urging you to consider the 2013 NSCC Promo Card that Never Was 1915 Cracker Jack Babe Ruth. If you don't already know, this fantasy card is pure quality, and still under $500. The word "still" connotes I am suggesting some day this fantasy will take $500 to buy it. Yes, I am. It would be a first, but this is no ordinary fantasy baseball card.

Arthur K. Miller, the talented creator of this small, but massive, cubic zirconia, poured a lot of thoughtful care into his fantasy card of Babe Ruth.

Mr. Miller shrewdly toned the borders down from today's diaper-white to bone china white, so they appear precisely as a genuine PSA MINT 9 Cracker Jack would look. Nice touch. The portrait he chose was perfect. Hands on hips, with the right "tough customer" countenance that marked his successful pitching career in Boston.

The colorization given Ruth was remarkable, as rich as Mr. Miller could make Babe, and yet still subdued as the real Cracker Jacks were.

Granted, PSA did not grant these fantasy Babes with a numerical grade. However, rum-dum factory seconds most assuredly were not ensconced into any of those PSA holders. Each and every one of the 500 specimens was PSA GEM MINT 10-worthy, trust me.

For those who don't want to trust me, and remain cynical, mule-headed snobs, I'm warning you this day. The time will come when the title / catch phrase of an old 1940s radio program shall ring loudly in your ears:

"YOU'LL BE SORRY!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Just don't shoot me, as Daffy Duck did to the brave chap who tried to warn Porky Pig of his impending doom as a contestant on "TRUTH, OR AAAHHHHHHHHH", in the Looney Tunes 1947 cartoon classic, "The Hucksters".:D

In all seriousness, collect whatcha like. You gotta work within your budget. Don't try to please everybody, as Ricky Nelson sang, just please yourself, bro.

Hey, you ask for opinions, you're bound to get a dozen different answers. In this instance, advice is cheaper by the dozen. Though I suppose, if you acted upon all the advice, it transpires to never cheaper by the dozen.:rolleyes:

Take your time, bro. Then, once you see the Ruth you want, don't wait a second longer; otherwise someone else might bag it and you'll initiate a thread along the lines of "DIDJA EVER MISS OUT ON A CARD 'CAUSE YOU WAITED TOO LONG?" Most painful.

Best regards, Brian Powell

[glchen]

The reason I can't really take the 2013 NSCC card seriously even though it is numbered to 500 is that Memory Lane also sent one of these cards as part of their auction catalog that shipped around the same time as that National. Same front, but Memory Lane advertising back. So who knows how many thousands of these were given away. (I have one myself.) That and the fact that it's a card that was issued way after Ruth's playing days makes me believe that this card will never really have that much value. Sure, I really like the front image also, but I also like the images of a bunch of modern Topps cards for Ruth that regularly sell on ebay for less than a dollar.

[yanksfan09]

The reason I can't really take the 2013 NSCC card seriously even though it is numbered to 500 is that Memory Lane also sent one of these cards as part of their auction catalog that shipped around the same time as that National. Same front, but Memory Lane advertising back. So who knows how many thousands of these were given away. (I have one myself.) That and the fact that it's a card that was issued way after Ruth's playing days makes me believe that this card will never really have that much value. Sure, I really like the front image also, but I also like the images of a bunch of modern Topps cards for Ruth that regularly sell on ebay for less than a dollar.

+1... I got a free one with add back in my Cracker Jack Book. Same card front, why pay hundreds for an artificially limited 1 of 500? They're fantasy pieces. As a Cracker Jack set collector/owner and a huge Ruth enthusiast, the card is very well done but I don't see any real monetary value in it ever (i would expect it to decline in price). I would definitely recommend sticking to a piece from his playing days (or pre 1948 at least, which is year he died and year of the leaf issue)

[ullmandds]

+1... I got a free one with add back in my Cracker Jack Book. Same card front, why pay hundreds for an artificially limited 1 of 500? They're fantasy pieces. As a Cracker Jack set collector/owner and a huge Ruth enthusiast, the card is very well done but I don't see any real monetary value in it ever (i would expect it to decline in price). I would definitely recommend sticking to a piece from his playing days (or pre 1948 at least, which is year he died and year of the leaf issue)

funny thing is...in typical fashion...a question is posed...and the responses tend toward the self serving. "what is the best babe ruth card to get?" Well of course it's the one I have!!!!!!! What's the most esthetically pleasing card ever made? Well of course it's a card I own!!!!!!!!!!!

The OP stated period card...end of discussion re. a fantasy cj card...seriously people!!!!!!:D

[brian1961]

Gents, I was under the misunderstanding that only 500 specimens of the 2013 NSCC Card that Never Was 1915 Cracker Jack Babe Ruth were ever printed. However, as you mercifully stated, Gary, the backside of the 500 appear as a fantasy Cracker Jack would have appeared, whereas Memory Lane's have their advertising printed upon it. That makes for a different case, although I imagine PSA would not encapsulate any of the Memory Lane "ad" Ruths.

I must retract, then, what I projected---a future $500 value will likely never be reached. I based my prognostication on a couple eBay entries I saw for "Buy It Now". The cheapest was $180.

As far as being self serving, Pete, I have no intention of selling my Cracker Jack Babe Ruth. Period. I could use the $500, but I'd rather keep the card. I only have one of them, and if I had more than one then yes, I would gladly part with the duplicate.

Let me say this, in my forthcoming book, NEVER CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, I wrote of many postwar regional / food issues. Most of them I do not own; a few of them I do own. Without owning a few of them, I seriously doubt I would be able to bring as much enthusiasm and passion to the subject at all. Moreover, I was not going to sell the cards I had, just to avoid catcalls from the likes of you. I feel certain that I will still be accused of trumpeting my own cards by a few guys. WILL ISN'T THAT JUST TOO BAD? There is absolutely nothing illegal in writing about something you own.

Borrowing from another hobby of mine, in 1980 Joel Finn wrote the most thorough and authoritative work on the 1957 - 1962 Ferrari Testa Rossa racing sports cars. Without going into great detail, today they routinely auction for over $15,000,000. Mr. Finn happens to own one of them, beautifully restored, and several fine studies of HIS VERY OWN TESTA ROSSA appear on the front of the book's dust jacket. At the time he wrote his landmark book, the car was worth $1,000,000 at the very most. Try not to choke on your carefully flavored coffee, Pete, when you read these words.

Hey, I'll make ya feel better, bro. So are collecting ultra rare hyper-expensive Ferrari racing sports cars my other hobby. Well, no; collecting fine detailed 1/43rd model cars of them is my other hobby.;)

Many collectors, including myself, rave over the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle. I owned a beautiful specimen for about 24 years. I miss it terribly. I will never be able to own that card again. That has not stopped me from still admiring and speaking very highly of it.

Lastly, I must embarrass myself again. I was also under the misunderstanding the original poster was inquiring about period Babe Ruth cards produced during his playing days. My bad. I chimed in on the Cracker Jack Ruth when someone else encouraged him to buy that instead. I guess my "chimed in" was more like a Quick Draw McGraw EL KABONG.

---Brian Powell

P.S. Pete----I know you think the fantasy Cracker Jack Babe is a real crock and should not be taken seriously in the least. I still seriously love this card, which is what card collecting is all about. I cannot afford a period Ruth at all. The CJ Babe gives me a card collectors fantasy at a fraction of the price a genuine would cost today. Come on, Pete, some of us are struggling financially, yet we have the nerve to like old baseball players and old cars anyway.

[Shoeless Moe]

Gents, I was under the misunderstanding that only 500 specimens of the 2013 NSCC Card that Never Was 1915 Cracker Jack Babe Ruth were ever printed. However, as you mercifully stated, Gary, the backside of the 500 appear as a fantasy Cracker Jack would have appeared, whereas Memory Lane's have their advertising printed upon it. That makes for a different case, although I imagine PSA would not encapsulate any of the Memory Lane "ad" Ruths.

I must retract, then, what I projected---a future $500 value will likely never be reached. I based my prognostication on a couple eBay entries I saw for "Buy It Now". The cheapest was $180.

As far as being self serving, Pete, I have no intention of selling my Cracker Jack Babe Ruth. Period. I could use the $500, but I'd rather keep the card. I only have one of them, and if I had more than one then yes, I would gladly part with the duplicate.

Let me say this, in my forthcoming book, NEVER CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, I wrote of many postwar regional / food issues. Most of them I do not own; a few of them I do own. Without owning a few of them, I seriously doubt I would be able to bring as much enthusiasm and passion to the subject at all. Moreover, I was not going to sell the cards I had, just to avoid catcalls from the likes of you. I feel certain that I will still be accused of trumpeting my own cards by a few guys. WILL ISN'T THAT JUST TOO BAD? There is absolutely nothing illegal in writing about something you own.

Borrowing from another hobby of mine, in 1980 Joel Finn wrote the most thorough and authoritative work on the 1957 - 1962 Ferrari Testa Rossa racing sports cars. Without going into great detail, today they routinely auction for over $15,000,000. Mr. Finn happens to own one of them, beautifully restored, and several fine studies of HIS VERY OWN TESTA ROSSA appear on the front of the book's dust jacket. At the time he wrote his landmark book, the car was worth $1,000,000 at the very most. Try not to choke on your carefully flavored coffee, Pete, when you read these words.

Hey, I'll make ya feel better, bro. So are collecting ultra rare hyper-expensive Ferrari racing sports cars my other hobby. Well, no; collecting fine detailed 1/43rd model cars of them is my other hobby.;)

Many collectors, including myself, rave over the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle. I owned a beautiful specimen for about 24 years. I miss it terribly. I will never be able to own that card again. That has not stopped me from still admiring and speaking very highly of it.

Lastly, I must embarrass myself again. I was also under the misunderstanding the original poster was inquiring about period Babe Ruth cards produced during his playing days. My bad. I chimed in on the Cracker Jack Ruth when someone else encouraged him to buy that instead. I guess my "chimed in" was more like a Quick Draw McGraw EL KABONG.

---Brian Powell

P.S. Pete----I know you think the fantasy Cracker Jack Babe is a real crock and should not be taken seriously in the least. I still seriously love this card, which is what card collecting is all about. I cannot afford a period Ruth at all. The CJ Babe gives me a card collectors fantasy at a fraction of the price a genuine would cost today. Come on, Pete, some of us are struggling financially, yet we have the nerve to like old baseball players and old cars anyway.

Leon I call for random drug testing of all board members!

[Yoda]

Babe Ruth B.B. Club pins for under $500 are usually around if you look hard enough. I personally like the 1934 Quaker Oates featuring a happy smiling Bambino.

[Bestdj777]

Leon I call for random drug testing of all board members!

Brian is a good guy and incredibly passionate about the hobby.

[Sean]

It just occurred to me: the 2014 Net 54 t-shirt feature Babe's Goudey card. Maybe Leon has an extra somewhere? :D

[Sean]

Brian is a good guy and incredibly passionate about the hobby.

+1 I've always had good interactions with Brian. :)

[ullmandds]

brian...i meant no harm...just an early morning...before my 3rd cup of coffee rant about people not reading/ignoring other peoples posts.. I like the cj ruth card...for what it is...I even have one in my collection!

[ullmandds]

peace offering...how about this!!!!

https://www.nytimes.com/store/vintage-babe-ruth-700th-home-run-new-york-times-photograph-from-1934-vintage03.html

[kevlewis]

Yup I won the Ruth photo. Hahaha



You just missed the RMY auction, but vintage photos of Ruth can be had at some great prices.

For instance this one from 1929 sold for $315 (not to me) in the most recent RMY auction.

http://rmyauctions.com/ItemImages/000015/15554a_med.jpeg

[Leon]

I think a boardgame is too big of a commitment especially for a non-collector I mean what are they supposed to do with it ??? A small card can be put anywhere .

+1. Big items equal hard to store.

[HistoricNewspapers]

Why give away a $500 card? What are the odds that the winning person will appreciate it like a collector would? The winner will most likely just sell it as soon as they can.

Might as well give away $500 cash with the Donruss Champions card...which will probably be appreciated more.

Very generous of you though.

[Fred]

I'd buy any 1933 Ruth Goudey in NrMt condition, if someone would sell one to me for $500..... :p

[4scuda]

Save $400 and buy a Mitchell ness ruth jersey for a $100.