Babe Ruth Film

Rare action footage of Babe Ruth in his prime has been found in an Illinois cellar. The film shows more than 3 minutes of Ruth sitting on a pony, talking with fans and standing alongside legendary first baseman Lou Gehrig. It’s thought the film was taken Oct. 18, 1927, in Sioux City, Iowa. Just 10 days earlier, the Yankees had completed a sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates to win the World Series. Babe Ruth hit a then-record 60 home runs that regular season to lead the Yankees and their “Murderers’ Row” lineup.

After the World Series, Ruth and Gehrig sponsored teams on a coast-to-coast barnstorming tour. The Bustin’ Babes and Larrupin’ Lou’s played 21 games against each other that fall. Local schools would close for the event, and 13 of the ballgames were called early because mobs disrupted play. This film looks like it was shot after a game in Sioux City. Click here to watch for yourself.

Reach ran an ad for its Babe Ruth line of baseball gloves in our May 1930. BL readers could order one for only $4. “I’m might proud of these gloves,” Babe said, “for the Reach people did a swell job of carrying out my ideas.” Click here to read all about it.

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