Suggestions for my first Bambino

[the 'stache]

Soon after the start of the new year, I am going to start chasing after some of the cards I have wanted for a while. I have a bunch of them mapped out. A 1941 Play Ball Joe DiMaggio. A 1953 Bowman Color Stan Musial. A 1951 Bowman Ted Williams. A 1934 Goudey Lou Gehrig. There are other players. Clemente. Koufax. Robinson. Aaron. Mays. Other sets I want to work on. The T206 set. The 1953 Bowman Color. The 1915 Cracker Jack set. The '33 and '34 Goudey sets.

I have at least a general idea of the direction I want to go. I'll put together the collection I want. All I need is patience, and a little discipline.

But I don't know which Babe Ruth I want first. There are so many that I like. The 1933 Goudey set has 4 nice ones. And I'd thought of picking one of them. I like #s 144 and 53. So, I'd love some suggestions from you guys on my first Babe Ruth. I think right now the 1934 Goudey Premium Ruth is in the lead.



That's a beautiful looking card, but it is oversized. I'd like something smaller, closer to what we consider a normal size. This Goudey Premium I should be able to pick up in decent shape for about $1,000. If I find some thing I really like, I have no problem going over that figure. It's just a baseline. One of the '33 Goudeys, in good shape, will cost 3-4 x that. It's just a matter of how long I need to save.

So please, suggest away, everybody. Thank you!

[DeanH3]

I'd go for #144 but I'm biased. I love the pose and the background. Just screams 30's art deco. But whatever you decide, you can't go wrong with a Ruth. Good luck on your hunt.

[4815162342]

Why not one of the '20s strip cards?

[Rickyy]

Sooo many to choose from....I love the Goudey premium too....but when I focused on my first Babe Ruth card...I went for the Goudey #144... it's just really appealing... and still my favorite... another one I like is the Exhibit Ruth Pose... a great shot...




Ricky Y

[Leon]

Chalk up another vote #144. Many years ago it was my first Ruth and I eventually upgraded to one similar to Deans.

[the 'stache]

Originally Posted by 4815162342

Why not one of the '20s strip cards?

You know, Daryl, that's an option I hadn't thought of. A few of my back issues of Old Cardboard profiled strip cards, both of which included Ruth, if I recall correctly.

[I Only Smoke 4 the Cards]

While you can't go wrong with any of those choices the yellow background Ruth is my favorite of the Goudey.

[Republicaninmass]

Mine is the green #181

[yanksfan09]

mine is the red #149.... 144 would be second for the 33 goudeys for me.

The premium is great too.

Also love the Sport Kings and the tougher US Caramel, if you're looking for colorful issues. A lot of exhibits, while black and white, are really nice too and much smaller than the premium.

[clydepepper]

I'll have to go with #144...which, thanks to Leon, I wear proudly twice a week.

[Peter_Spaeth]

These are my two favorites.

[the 'stache]

I like all of these. Every single one. The #144 is a no brainer. I will own that card, but I don't know if it will be the first one. I might wait until I get a tax refund to put a dent into that.

I really like that Sport Kings, Peter. It seems to capture the Babe's personality.

Really, any of these would be a great first choice. I like the Sanella Margarine. It has a post card feel, and I know I could pick up a nice one for $300 or so. I love the E121 series, too. There are several cards from that set, and releases in the same format, that I love. The Hornsby is great. There are a few Ruth cards with compilations. They are black and white, cut the same, but a little larger. I'll have to go find them, but they caught my eye, as well. The Exhibits are great, too.

I just need spring to get here so I can start shopping. One of the first cards I want to buy before the summer is the Gehrig '34 Goudey #37. I might pick that up, and get the Ruth next spring. I have to budget myself a little, so I will need to be patient.

Great suggestions, guys. I am loving all of the pictures. I will never ever get tired of looking at the Babe!