Description:

Perfect Babe Ruth signature on a diploma to a youngster who attended Academy of Sport classes at the 1940 New York World's Fair and intended "to practice the ideals of Sportsmanship and Clean Competition..."

GEORGE HERMAN "BABE" RUTH (1895-1948) Document Signed "Babe Ruth" as Instructor in Baseball and "Christy Walsh" as Director of Sports – New York World's Fair, one page, 11" x 8.5". New York, October 16, 1940. Minor flaws at edges. Fine condition.

The text is printed in black on a light background of the symbols of the 1939-1940 New York World's Fair, the Trylon and the Perisphere, and the year "1940." In full, "This is to Certify that / [name is not filled in] / attended instruction at the / Academy of Sport / New York World's Fair / and he is hereby commended for his interest in Sport and his / intentions to practice the ideals of Sportsmanship and Clean / Competition as exemplified by the Baseball and / Football leaders who have instructed him." Ruth has signed above "Instructor in Baseball" and Walsh above "Director of Sports – New York World's Fair." There is no signature above "Instructor in Football." The date "October 16, 1940" is printed at the lower left. Christy Walsh was also Babe Ruth's longtime agent.

The October 17, 1940, edition of "The New York Times" reported on the event held the previous evening. Headlined "Ruth Presents Diplomas / Officiates on ‘Graduation Night' / at Fair's Academy of Sport." In full, "With ‘Professor' Babe Ruth, attired in the traditional cap and gown, handing out the diplomas, ‘graduation night' was held at the World's Fair Academy of Sport last night. Only a comparative handful of lucky youngsters were recipients of the certificates from the erstwhile home-run champion. Most of the 1,200 eligible students will receive their awards by mail. A capacity throng gathered for the occasion, which was the climax of the ‘school year's' activities conducted under the supervision of Christy Walsh. The certificates went to those who maintained regular attendance at the various classes since they were begun. The diplomas are signed by the stars who gave instruction at the school. Among the speakers on the program were Coach Jimmy Crowley of Fordham's football team and Coach Steve Owen of the New York Football Giants. Al Schacht, famous baseball comedian, put on a brief show and a film depicting highlights of the classes during the season was shown."

PSA/DNA LOA

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