An incredibly rare and highly sought-after piece of baseball memorabilia is about to hit the auction block in one of the biggest events for collectors and enthusiasts. A 1915 Boston Red Sox team postcard, featuring none other than Babe Ruth in his debut season, is set to be featured in an upcoming auction later this month. With only ten graded postcards known to exist, this remarkable find is sure to generate a lot of buzz.
The prestigious auction house, Heritage Auctions, is preparing to present this historic item in its highly anticipated February Platinum Auction. What makes this particular postcard even more special is the fact that it is the highest-graded example of any Babe Ruth rookie year card, boasting a PSA rating of 6. With a pre-sale estimate suggesting it could reach upwards of $1 million, it has piqued the interest of serious collectors and investors.
The postcard itself is a snapshot of the 1915 Red Sox team, proudly labeled as the “American League Champions.” The mention of their championship title suggests that the postcard was likely issued before or during the 1915 World Series. What makes it truly noteworthy is the fact that this is Babe Ruth’s rookie year, and he is prominently featured in the back row of the team photograph.
During the 1915 World Series, the Red Sox chose to play their games at Braves Field, the stadium belonging to the city’s National League team. This decision was made due to the larger seating capacity of Braves Field compared to Fenway Park, which was still relatively new at the time. The postcard, therefore, provides a glimpse into this significant moment in baseball history.
Each member of the Red Sox team is identified by their surname and playing position on the postcard. Of course, all eyes are on Babe Ruth standing next to Carl Mays, another rookie pitcher. Mays would later join Ruth in playing for the famed 1920 New York Yankees but is infamously remembered for a tragic incident in August of that year. One of his pitches struck and killed Cleveland player Ray Chapman. The card also features legendary Hall of Famers Tris Speaker and Harry Hooper.
This auction comes hot on the heels of the recent sale of a 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth card, which fetched an astounding $7.25 million. It’s worth noting that both the 1914 and 1915 cards have only ten graded copies in existence, adding to their rarity and allure.
As Heritage Auctions describes it, this 1915 postcard is one of the most significant trading cards ever to be offered in the hobby’s auction market. Its historical value and scarcity make it an absolute gem for any serious collector or enthusiast of baseball history.
Prospective bidders and those with a deep appreciation for Babe Ruth and baseball history should mark their calendars for February 2nd when the auction bidding is set to begin. This event will undoubtedly be a monumental occasion for collectors and fans alike as they eagerly await the outcome of this remarkable piece of sports memorabilia.
