C. 1926-27 Babe Ruth Single Signed OAL (Johnson) Baseball Attributed to Bambino Homer at Sportsman’s Park (Hobby-Fresh Heirloom) – Beckett LOA

Offered is an Official American League (Johnson) baseball manufactured by A.J. Reach & Co. in the mid-1920s, boldly single signed on a side panel by Babe Ruth. Long held as a family heirloom and never before offered to the hobby, the ball is attributed to a home run struck by the Bambino at Sportsman’s Park. The ball is a fascinating survivor from the years when Ruth was at the peak of his power.

The ball retains its original red and blue double-stitched seams and displays the crisp blue-ink stamping of the era, including the “Official American League Ball” panel legend, the Reach “Sign of Quality” keystone trademark, and the “Warranted / The Cork Center / 9 In. 5 Oz.” markings. A stamped facsimile signature of American League president Ban Johnson appears on an adjoining panel, confirming the ball’s 1926-27 period of manufacture.

Ruth’s signature is applied in blue ink between the seams, where it presents to best advantage. It is bold and fully legible, with fluid pen strokes and a granular, dotted texture where the ink has absorbed into the horsehide. The ink has retained its strength, with only the light, even softening consistent with age.

The ball has toned to an even cream-ivory color with scattered scuffs, light soiling, and areas of pigment loss to the stamping. A mottled brown stain is visible near the Ruth signature and another on the opposite panel, and small spots of oxidation are scattered across the surface. The stitching remains tight and intact, and the ball keeps its shape and sound structure. These are the kind of honest marks expected of a ball that saw real use in the period.

A rare pairing of a boldly signed Ruth baseball and a game-use attribution, fresh to the market from the family that has kept it for generations. Accompanied by a Beckett Letter of Authenticity.