MEARS Auction #196, Ends Saturday, February 8th 2025, 10:00 PM CST W/30-Minute Rule In Effect
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This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/9/2025


MEARS Auctions is proud to offer this 1921-33 Babe Ruth Hardwood's National League Double Cover Single Signed Baseball from the collection of Milwaukee native George McBride. This ball has remained in the family collection and this is the first time the ball has been offered to the public. About George McBride:

George Florian "Pinch" McBride (November 20, 1880 – July 2, 1973) was an American professional baseball shortstop for the Milwaukee Brewers, Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, and Washington Senators from 1901 to 1920. He started off with the short-lived Milwaukee Brewers (they moved to St. Louis, Missouri after the 1901 season and became the Browns), but he only had 12 at-bats in three games. After stints in semi-pro ball, he joined the Pirates in 1905 but was traded mid-season to the Cardinals. He did not become a regular starter until the 1908 season, when he joined the Senators and became their everyday shortstop. He never hit for a high average (his best season was in 1911 when he hit .235 with 11 doubles and 4 triples), but was very talented with the glove, leading the American League in fielding for four straight seasons (1912 – 1915). He was given the nickname "Pinch" for his ability to hit in the clutch.

In 1921, he was named manager of the Senators, succeeding Clark Griffith, and led the team to an 80–73 record (.523 winning percentage). At the end of the 1921 season, he was hit in the face with a ball during batting practice, paralyzing one side of his face. He was forced to retire from the Senators, but later joined the Detroit Tigers. McBride has the lowest batting average in major league history of any player with over 5,000 at-bats, with .218.

The baseball was recently consigned to MEARS Online Auctions. The ball is a Hardwood’s National League Double Cover ball, which was sold at various sporting goods, hardware, and mail order catalogs. The ball is in excellent to near mint condition, with vibrant factory stampings. The ball is evenly toned, showing its age for a ball which is approximately 100 years old.

The ball is signed with the typical, flamboyant, perfectly executed Babe Ruth flowing signature, placed on the sweet spot with succinct perfection in period blue ink.

Based on the dating of the ball, 1921-33, it is our assumption that McBridge met Ruth while coaching the Detroit Tigers in the 1920s, or on Ruth’s 1928 visit to Borchert Field (Milwaukee, WI) where Ruth played in a barnstorming game.

Great opportunity for a collector to obtain a high grade, fresh to the hobby single signed Babe Ruth baseball origination from a former major league ball player. Copy of various paper work and photos regarding George McBride also accompany this lot. LOA MEARS for provenance, full JSA autograph letter of authenticity.

(94T0026)
Bidding
Current Bidding
Minimum Bid: $100
Final prices include buyers premium.: $40,920
Number Bids:30
Competitive in-house shipping is not available for this lot.
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