The year 1927 became a magical one in baseball lore which unearthed perhaps the greatest professional baseball team of all time. The Yankees stormed through the regular season with 110 wins, later sweeping the Pirates in the World Series four games to none. Two of the greatest baseball players of all time were on that team, Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Here we find them both together on the same ball, expertly placed adjacent to each other creating the most spectacular display. Babe Ruth/Lou Gehrig dual signed balls are available in very limited supply, and few hold the honor of eclipsing the overall quality of this rendition. A minor amount of scattered toning and surface wear aside, this red and green laced Spalding Official league baseball is a beauty with a lush, lightly tanned creamy tone. The autographs are bold, easily '7-8' or better. 

This ball originates from the Barnstorming days of the 20's, specifically to October 27, 2024 in Santa Barbara, California. One sunny afternoon on the high school field for Santa Barbara, a very fortunate gentleman named Darrell Beaver (pictured on the right next to Gehrig below) played shortstop alongside Lou Gehrig for the Larripn' Lou's. In Mr. Beaver's possession until his death in 1991, this spectacular ball was willed to our consignor who has now allowed us to offer it to you. Our consignor's family member, Mr. Beaver, notated the penning the day it was signed on the south panel. Over a period of time however, that writing faded and he re-wrote the date. Also included in this lot are some photos from the day this ball was acquired showing 'The Babe' and 'Iron Horse' in full Barnstorming garb with their fellow teammates. Of course the image of Lou with Darrell and his friend Hal Bacon (pictured to the left of Lou) is also included. Mr Bacon it is told, happened to strike out Babe in the third inning of the game!

Impeccable provenance is something to never take advantage of and we are certain that few other Ruth/Gehrig dual signed balls can be dated to the exact place in time when they were signed. Given the provenance and story behind this piece, coupled with the overall condition, we believe it is perhaps one of the finest dual autographed Ruth/Gehrig balls extant. Accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from James Spence Authentication(JSA).

For additional information about this day in history, please visit the following link to the Santa Barbara Independent Newspaper website:

http://www.independent.com/news/2007/oct/11/question-when-did-babe-ruth-come-santa-barbara/