
An exceedingly rare and incredibly sought-after 1915 Boston Red Sox team postcard, featuring Babe Ruth in his debut season, is set to go up for auction later this month. This baseball memorabilia gem is one of just ten known graded postcards in existence, making it an exceptional find for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Heritage Auctions, the renowned auction house, is gearing up to showcase this highly-anticipated item, which holds the distinction of being the highest-graded Babe Ruth rookie year card. The postcard has received a PSA rating of 6 and is expected to fetch a price tag surpassing $1 million.
Depicting the Red Sox team, with the label “American League Champions,” this postcard likely dates around or before the 1915 World Series. Babe Ruth takes a prominent spot in the back row of the team photograph, marking the beginning of his legendary career.
During that year’s World Series, the Red Sox played their games at Braves Field, the stadium of the city’s National League team, due to its larger seating capacity compared to Fenway Park. Fenway Park was still relatively new at the time.
The postcard identifies each member of the Red Sox team by surname and playing position. Of great significance, Ruth stands next to fellow rookie pitcher Carl Mays. In a tragic incident later in 1920, Mays’ pitch struck and killed Cleveland player Ray Chapman. Both Ruth and Mays would end up playing for the New York Yankees that year. The card 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 ten each.
Described by Heritage Auctions as one of the most significant trading cards ever to be offered in the hobby’s auction market, this 1915 postcard underscores its rarity and historical value.
Baseball history collectors and Babe Ruth fans alike should mark February 2nd on their calendars, as that is when the bidding for this incredible piece will commence. Don’t miss your chance to snag a precious piece of sports memorabilia.