Whats the earliest card of Babe Ruth in a Yankees uniform?

FrankWakefield · #1 12-08-2021, 06:27 PM

I think that Mays has been demonized over the years.

What happened, happened. Chapman was a well-liked ball player, even Ty Cobb liked Chapman.

Maybe start with Wikipedia's article on Carl Mays, then keep reading other articles.

As for that 1920 touring team... Would you say that Babe Ruth joined up with that team to capitalize on Mays having killed Chapman? I doubt it.

LincolnVT · #2 12-08-2021, 07:02 PM

Kevin is on to something.

I believe he can also be seen (wearing early pinstripes) on his 1920 Tex Rickard "Headin' Home" Card. Some say he was with the Yankees when his Frederick Foto card was issued, however he is pictured in a Red Sox uniform for that card.

Aquarian Sports Cards · #3 12-08-2021, 07:31 PM

1921 self-developing card from our last auction comes to mind.

tkd · #4 12-08-2021, 07:36 PM

I would say most likely Headin' Home Babe Ruth cards are his first cards in a Yankees uniform.
Headin' Home was released on Sept 19, 1920. The film was played at several Theatres during that time, and some would offer advertising cards for the film. The advertising cards would have a picture of Babe Ruth on the front wearing his Yankees uniform. The back would typically be blank with a theatre stamp. Some examples are Welcome Theatre and Majestic Theatre. I've seen some with actual dates on the back which is helpful. Oct. 25th is one date. I would assume these were handed out at least from Sept. - end of year 1920. I'm not sure when the cards were made but my guess is sometime April-July 1920.

mrreality68 · #5 12-08-2021, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkd

I would say most likely Headin' Home Babe Ruth cards are his first cards in a Yankees uniform.
Headin' Home was released on Sept 19, 1920. The film was played at several Theatres during that time, and some would offer advertising cards for the film. The advertising cards would have a picture of Babe Ruth on the front wearing his Yankees uniform. The back would typically be blank with a theatre stamp. Some examples are Welcome Theatre and Majestic Theatre. I've seen some with actual dates on the back which is helpful. Oct. 25th is one date. I would assume these were handed out at least from Sept. - end of year 1920. I'm not sure when the cards were made but my guess is sometime April-July 1920.

I would agree with this as long as we accept these as Ruth Cards as some people consider these Promo cards and thus not true cards.
So as a group how do we consider this

Exhibitman · #6 12-08-2021, 08:04 PM

1921 Exhibit.

chadeast · #7 12-08-2021, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

1921 Exhibit.

Hey Adam. Is it known what uniform Ruth is wearing on this Exhibit? If I didn't know any better, I'd say that CLEVELAND is spelled out on front of the jersey, but that obviously makes no sense. I've always wondered.

Tabe · #8 12-08-2021, 10:47 PM

Definitely looks like it says "New York" to me.

ccre · #9 12-09-2021, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chadeast

Hey Adam. Is it known what uniform Ruth is wearing on this Exhibit? If I didn't know any better, I'd say that CLEVELAND is spelled out on front of the jersey, but that obviously makes no sense. I've always wondered.

I agree ... It does look like Cleveland. Very odd.

Hankphenom · #10 12-08-2021, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrankWakefield

I think that Mays has been demonized over the years. What happened, happened. Chapman was a well-liked ball player, even Ty Cobb liked Chapman. Maybe start with Wikipedia's article on Carl Mays, then keep reading other articles. As for that 1920 touring team... Would you say that Babe Ruth joined up with that team to capitalize on Mays having killed Chapman? I doubt it.

Most of what I know about the Mays/Chapman incident--not much--comes from Joe Wood on "The Glory of Their Times" audio. I didn't take sides in my comment, merely expressed wonderment at what appears to be crass capitalization of it given the timing. Mays did have a great season, though, so maybe he would have gotten equal billing with Ruth without the notoriety of the "pitch that killed." I tend to doubt it, but who knows? As for the Babe, I'm sure he was just happy to be picking up some extra cash for the tour; whether he gave any thought to Mays's involvement or had any feelings about it one way or the other would only be conjecture.

GasHouseGang · #11 12-08-2021, 10:07 PM

Is there any way to know what time of year this 1921 strip card was issued? It's not a photo but I guess it would at least be a candidate.

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