Babe Ruth Autographed Baseballs Still King

Over sixty years have passed since Babe Ruth signed his last autograph.  A generation has grown up, worked and retired since the Babe died of cancer in 1947.  His impact on American sports remains huge and the interest in Ruth memorabilia-like the Babe himself-is larger than life.

Babe Ruth autographed baseballs are still the most coveted by collectors and fans despite the fact that the Bambino likely signed hundreds of thousands of autographs over a 40 year-period.  He was besieged everywhere he went and more often than not, he complied.

Ruth was really the first baseball player to be popular enough to have been afforded star treatment by those who wanted a lasting memory in the form of an autograph.

The highest price paid for a Ruth autographed ball was achieved in 2005 when one changed hands privately for $150,000, a tribute to the uncommonly high quality of the baseball and the signature.  The ball was graded 9.5 by PSA/DNA

A PSA 8-graded Babe Ruth autographed baseball, preserved in the original box by a retired dentist who received it as a teenage ballplayer in the 1940s, established a new high for the grade when it sold for $81,075 in 2007.

If you’re lucky enough to own one, however, don’t expect to get that much for it, should you choose to sell.  Likewise, don’t expect to have to pay that much for one if you’d like to add this ‘holy grail’ of baseball autographs to your collection.  Most Ruth signed balls do show signs of age.  A slightly faded signature, a ball that’s been treated with shellack or tossed around in the yard by some 1930s kid or one that contains other autographs is worth much less.  The best Babe Ruth autographed ball to get is a single-signed version that’s been authenticated by one of the more reputable companies in the industry.  You’ll pay a little more, but it’s worth the investment.  And yes, Ruth signed balls can be considered an investment.  They’re not going down in value anytime soon.

The best advice for anyone seeking out a Ruth autograph?  Buy the best you can afford.  It’ll give you more enjoyment and it will be easier to sell for a profit if you choose to do so at a later date.

Keep in mind there are a lot of authentic Babe Ruth autographed baseballs floating around and patience combined with a discerning eye can be the key to owning a ball you’ll be proud to show off without having spent too much.