By 1922, Babe Ruth was well-established as the game's greatest player, and with a salary of $52,000 per year, was also its highest paid.  That year, Ruth signed a three-year contract with the Yankees, the ballclub subsequently exercising a two-year option that kept the Babe locked in through the 1926 season, a bargain despite Ruth remaining the game's highest-paid player during the entire duration of the contract.

Presented here is a Payroll check from late in the 1924 season, for $4,649.05 (representing Ruth's monthly salary of $4,707.70, less $58.65 in expenses).  The check has been signed on the front by Yankees secretary and Hall of Famer Ed Barrow, along with owner Jacob Rupert.  Ruth endorsed the reverse "Geo. H. Ruth," in pencil.  The endorsement is obscured somewhat by the cancellation stamps, but remains legible.  The entire check remains clean and well-preserved, housed inside a small frame with a glass back permitting visibility of both sides of the check.  The Barry Harper Auction decal remains affixed to the lower-right corner of the reverse, lending a bit of hobby history to the piece.  Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.