An extraordinary piece of baseball memorabilia is heading for the auction block this month. A highly sought-after 1915 Boston Red Sox team postcard, featuring Babe Ruth in his debut season, is set to be sold in the February Platinum Auction by Heritage Auctions. This particular postcard is one of only ten graded examples known to exist, making it a remarkable find for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
What sets this postcard apart is that it is the highest-graded example of any Babe Ruth rookie year card. It has received a PSA rating of 6, and experts estimate that it could fetch upwards of $1 million in the auction.
The postcard showcases the Red Sox team, labeled as the “American League Champions,” which suggests it was issued in or around the time of the 1915 World Series. The photograph prominently features Babe Ruth in the back row of the team picture.
During the 1915 World Series, the Red Sox played their games at Braves Field, as it had a larger seating capacity compared to Fenway Park. Braves Field belonged to the city’s National League team at the time, and Fenway Park was a relatively new construction.
In the postcard, each member of the Red Sox team is identified by their last name and playing position. Notably, Ruth is standing next to Carl Mays, another rookie pitcher. Mays would later go on to join Ruth in playing for the 1920 New York Yankees and is unfortunately remembered for a tragic incident in which his pitch struck and killed Cleveland player Ray Chapman in August of that year. The postcard also features Hall of Famers Tris Speaker and Harry Hooper.
This upcoming auction follows the recent sale of a 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth card, which fetched a staggering $7.25 million. Interestingly, both the 1914 and 1915 cards have a graded population of just ten each.
Heritage Auctions has described this 1915 postcard as one of the most significant trading cards ever to be offered in the hobby’s auction market. Its rarity and historical value make it a highly coveted item among collectors.
For those interested in bidding, the auction is set to begin on February 2nd. This is a significant event for both baseball history collectors and fans of Babe Ruth, as it presents a unique opportunity to own a rare Babe Ruth rookie season postcard. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this exciting moment in sports memorabilia history!
