New York Herald Tribune photographer, Nat Fein, captured this stunning image of an ailing Babe Ruth on June 13, 1948, more than a decade after the Babe's final game. Titled "Babe Ruth Bows Out", Fein's image would be awarded the Pulitzer Prize For Photography in 1949, becoming the first sports-related photo to reach that pinnacle.
On a day scheduled to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Yankee Stadium, the ballpark so often regarded as the House That Ruth Built, Ruth's legacy was honored with a ceremony to permanently retire his iconic No. 3. In the late stages of cancer that would lead to his death just two months later, Ruth exited the dugout to a standing ovation, appearing in his old pinstriped uniform before a Yankee Stadium crowd 50,000 strong. Nat Fein, who was only present because the Herald Tribune's sports photographer called in sick, set up his now-iconic shot from behind the Babe and came away with one of the single most famous images of the 20th century.
An approximately 9” x 12” rendition of "Babe Ruth Bows Out" with fantastic tonal contrast, the presented silver gelatin photograph has been developed directly from Fein's original negative. George Herman Ruth stands in the foreground, sharply focused, with the background gently blurred. A stylistic choice by Fein that subtly draws the viewer’s eye directly to the once-great hero, in uniform at Yankee Stadium for the final time. Surface of photo remains clean and smooth save for a tiny 1/8” area next to the Babe's right knee where the emulsion has lifted. Nat Fein’s signature has been applied to the lower right corner with an inscription reading: “To My Friend. Joe Fleming - Nat Fein.” Significantly, Fein’s personal credit stamping appears at center of verso, reading: “Photo by Nat Fein, Staff Photographer, New York Herald Tribune.”
"Babe Ruth Bows Out" unquestionably remains one the most desirable Type I photos within the hobby, with Fein’s masterwork representing one of sports photography’s most distinguished and impactful images of all-time. This superlative example has been authenticated as a Type I photo by PSA/DNA and their full LOA is included.