Official National League (Frick) ball signed by Babe Ruth in blue fountain pen across the sweet spot. Graded NM-MT 8 by PSA (the ball is graded NM-MT 8 and the signature NM 7. A half-point has been added for eye appeal, resulting in a final overall grade of NM-MT 8).

This is one of the finest Babe Ruth single-signed balls we have handled and its extraordinary condition is directly related to its unique provenance. This ball originates from the personal collection of former Boston Braves catcher Phil Masi and has been consigned directly from a Masi family member. According to the family, Ruth visited the Braves' spring training facility during the late 1940s and Masi, like most of the players, wasn't shy in requesting a signed baseball for his collection. When Masi returned home for the start of the season the ball was stored in a drawer, where it remained for decades before being passed down in the family. The ball dates to the 1947-1948 manufacturing period, therefore it was signed by Ruth sometime during the final two years of his life.

While Babe Ruth single-signed balls are by no means rare, those of this quality are, and have always been considered one of the true "blue chip" pieces in the hobby. This is an exceptional Ruth ball in all respects and one that would be among the highlights of any advanced Babe Ruth or Hall of Fame single-signed ball collection. Accompanied by the original paper Spalding wrapper, which has been torn into a few pieces to reveal the pearl within, though even the paper has been well-preserved, with "Babe Ruth" written by a Masi family member on an affixed label. Full LOA from PSA (graded NM-MT 8).