Important Type I photograph hailing from 1915, Babe Ruth's first significant season with the Boston Sox. Measuring a full 8" x 10" the photo depicts a youthful Bambino at the age of only 20, flanked by his teammates, including three other future Hall of Famers in Harry Hooper, Herb Pennock, and Tris Speaker by his right shoulder. Indeed, 1915 proved to be one of the most historic seasons in franchise history, not only for the emergence of Ruth but for their 101-50-4 record; good for fourth best all-time for a Red Sox team. Though he did not play the field in the 1915 World Series it was the first of three Red Sox World Championship teams to which Ruth contributed, with the Sox of 1916 and 1918 also capturing baseball's ultimate crown. 

Among the most sought after photographs in the hobby today are those related to Ruth's rookie-era, such as the presented team photo, captured at Fenway Park. One of two such examples known to exist, with this by far the superior extant specimen. Small areas of obvious chipping are visible to the top and bottom edges and a small tear is present along the left edge by second baseman Jack Barry's right foot. Dark editorial embellishments have been added above the white caps of many players in the image to help separate them from the background. PSA has determined these embellishments were applied directly to the original glass plate negative and, consequently, developed as part of the original photographic print. Remnants of black paper remain affixed to verso, consistent with removal from a scrapbook or mount. Authenticated and encapsulated as a Type I photo by PSA/DNA. Originates from the estate of pitcher Smoky Joe Wood, who appears third from the left in the middle row.

*Please note: this very example previously sold in our Summer, 2023 Premier Auction and was encapsulated as a Type III photo at that time. Over one year later a second example of this photo, with identical embedded editing, surfaced in the hobby which PSA determined to be a Type I photo. That photo ultimately sold elsewhere in September, 2024 in excess of $85,000. PSA then updated their opinion on the offered example, determining the embedded editing within both images is, in fact, a result of application to the original negative itself and not present due to use of a copy negative. A full LOA from PSA is included with this photo noting the critical distinction.