Like the two gentlemen themselves, the signatures of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig only become more fascinating in the long light of history. Polar opposites though they may have been in personality, the synergy they created was perfect, and lethal to opposing pitchers. Such is also the case with any ball they jointly signed. These balls seem to accrue added qualities that are almost mystical, as though it dropped from the heavens. We can think of no better explanation for the special nature and “feel” of this ball signed by the Babe and the Iron Horse. Much of that veneer also is a product of when it was signed -- in October 1927, as the “best team of all time” capped off a perfect and profound season with a World Series sweep over the Pirates. Ruth, of course, dominated the headlines that season with his 60 homers, but Gehrig actually won the MVP award by out-hitting Ruth .373 to .356, and slugging only 13 fewer homers. All this history is written into the ball via the two signatures. Ruth’s, typically, is front and center, on the sweet spot, big and bold. Gehrig’s is on a panel and is slightly more faded, though both are clear as a bell, Ruth a 9, Gehrig a 7. Next to Ruth’s signature is a handwritten “10/1/27”, though it’s unclear whether Babe added it. There are also other signatures on the ball that have faded and not easily readable. We believe these signatures represent the ball bring passed on with the year (1941?) and most importantly the “Witness” as to the ball being originally signed by Babe Ruth and Leu Gehrig with the man’s name! The OAL ball has a red- stamped certification statement from AL President Bancroft Johnson, a highly rare embellishment. The condition of the ball is eminently pleasing, with a very light cream coating and a few unobtrusive specks. All in all, a piece of baseball royalty, and its elan will never fade away.