Emotions flared prior to the start of the 1932 World Series between the Chicago Cubs of the National League and the New York Yankees of the American League. The iconic Babe Ruth verbally made comments to the press about the Cubs management and their poor treatment of Mark Koenig, Ruth’s former teammate and current Cubs shortstop. This angered the Cubs and their loyal fans. The intensity streamed onto the field, but it would be a short, yet notable World Series, with one of the games most significant acts occurring in Game three at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
In the first inning of the third game, Babe Ruth launched a three run home run. He was greeted with the hostile words of the Wrigley faithful. The unforgiving roars arose again when Ruth strolled toward the left handed batters box in the top of the fifth inning. The great Bambino worked himself into a two ball, two strike count as he calmly fought off the loud jeering which rained on him from both the fans and the players along the top step of the Cubs dugout. Before Ruth stepped in to face Charlie Root, he made a gesture which silenced the crowd and left an indelible footnote within the history of the game and its unique folk lore. Ruth firmly raised his hand, pointing toward centerfield. His gesture was bold, for he was marking the spot in which he would hit the next pitch. Ruth took Charlie Roots next pitch to that exact location, giving the Yankees the lead. The crowed remained silent and the Yankees went on to sweep the series. History has noted this chapter as “the called shot.”
This beautiful, six panel navy wool crafted hat was featured by Robert Edward Auctions in 2009. The front two panels feature the timeless interlocking NY logo. This historic logo was adopted by the Yankees in 1909. Its origins trace back from a medal, which displayed the logo, presented to the first New York City police officer injured in the line of duty. The logo is embroidered in white thread and shows significant wear. The panels are locked together through a white thread, single needle stitch pattern. The eyelets are covered in a toned brown thread, while the top metal button is not present on the top of the crown. The brim of the cap uses a thick cardstock like substance. It is wrapped in blue wool and shows tremendous cracking and wear. The under brim is lined in a soft green cloth while leather wraps the lower inner surface of the hat. The leather is worn and cracked but posses an ageless quality that is significant in the historical makeup of headwear. The most distinctive piece of this hat is situated on the inner rear of the hat. A hand cut, tonal piece of canvas is stitched into the back of the hat. On the canvas is a faded, black stamping noting the bearer of the piece, B. RUTH. This cap has been tipped several times by the hands of Babe Ruth, saluting his faithful supporters after blasting one of his many home runs.
Ruth succumbed to complications caused by cancer on August 16, 1948. The indelible legacy, in which he so gracefully left upon the game, has been passed on from generation to generation. George Herman Ruth, the Babe, the Sultan of Swat, will forever remain the most notable figure in the history of baseball.

Images: Robert Edward Auctions  /   Text: J.Wheeler