Original fan photos of Johnny Vander Meer's 2nd consec no-hitter- 1st night game NY

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by GKreindler

Mr. Ruth was indeed in attendance that night!

GREAT pick-ups, Scott. I've seen prints of them on eBay every now and again, but never the originals. Way to go!

Graig

Graig & Dan,

You are indeed correct! That is The Big Bam, in the flesh!
Babe actually met with Johnny Vander Meer prior to his historic second consecutive no-hitter. Vander Meer recalled the meeting in fan letters and interviews through the years following his double no-no. Ruth visited him to congratulate him on his first no-hitter that occured on 6/11/38, four days earlier. They discussed the possibility of hunting together since they were both avid sportsman. Vandy and Babe did hunt and possibly fish several times together. Vandy stated that he did not have a subsequent meeting with Babe after the 2nd no-hitter, for the record.

Here is a postcard that features this conversation on the bench prior to the first night game at Ebbets Field that I picked up recently. The player to the right is Reds pitcher Paul Derringer and this postcard originated from his estate a number of years ago.

I also attached a scan of a fan letter where Vandy recalls his first meeting with Babe Ruth out of my collection.

The game ball from Vandy's 2nd no-hitter I do not own (but wish I did ), but was part of Seth Swirsky's collection that Heritage sold a few months ago.