This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/21/2021
Babe Ruth Issued Yankees Exhibition/Presentation Uniform Circa Mid 1940s. From the collection of Ex-Yankee John Malangone. John Malangone was the top Baseball prospect in 1950. He was groomed by Paul Krichell, who was also the scout that discovered Lou Gehrig. Paul Krichell signed Malangone to his first pro contract at the young age of 17. At that time, Paul Krichell gifted John Malangone this Babe Ruth uniform. Malangone said this was a tactic to get him to sign with the Yankees. The jersey was passed down to a family member of Malangone. The jersey has “MAPLE ATHELTIC SPORTSWEAR” and “GENUINE FLANNEL” tags on the back of the jersey. The jersey is all hand stitched and consistent with being made in the 1940s. The jersey also has a talon zipper, which is consistent with other presentation jerseys from the period. The best example would be Max Patkin’s “The Clown Prince of Baseball” pinstripe flannel jersey. The jersey has the same tagging and talon zipper as this jersey, with both being made in the 40s and as a “presentation jersey”. The meaning behind this is the jersey was made by the Yankees for Babe Ruth to wear during exhibitions, events and other things like dinners after he retired. The jersey is between a size 50-52, which is consistent with Ruth’s size. The jersey shows wear, possibly being worn by Ruth, but the only thing known is it is issued for Babe Ruth by the New York Yankees. A jersey issued to Babe Ruth, being the most collectible in all of Sports, is next to impossible to find, especially with the pants. The uniform comes with a Letter of Authenticity from a family member, a copy of a correspondence letter between Paul Krichell and John Malangone and a Gotta Have Rock & Roll™ Certificate of Authenticity.