I think folks have put up a lot of good options for Ruth items during his playing days that are often less than $100:
(1) Sanella Type 2:
Link
(2) 1931 Josetti:
Link
(3) 1932 Bulgaria:
Link
(4) 1929 Churchman:
Link
(5) 1934 Quaker Oats Premium:
Link
(6) Multiple pinbacks: (1934 Quaker Oats pin, 1935 Quaker Oats Metal pin, etc)
(7) Baseball Magazine with Ruth on cover:
Link
(8) Midweek Pictorial:
Link
(9) 1930s Keystone Stereoview:
Link
(10) Original Type I photos or snapshots:
Link
Good luck!