Babe Ruth is considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time and his baseball cards are some of the most valuable in the hobby. Ruth played for 22 seasons from 1914 to 1935, primarily for the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees. During his legendary career, Ruth established records that still stand today such as his career home run record of 714 that stood for nearly 40 years. Ruth was a true superstar who helped grow the popularity of baseball across America in the early 20th century. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most significant Babe Ruth baseball cards that exist in the hobby.
1914 Baltimore News (RC1) – This is considered the first true Babe Ruth baseball card as it was issued during his rookie season with the Boston Red Sox when he was still known as George Ruth. The card features a photo of Ruth from his time in the minor leagues with the Baltimore Orioles. It was part of a set of baseball cards issued by the Baltimore News newspaper. In high grade, this iconic rookie card can sell for over $2 million as it captures Babe Ruth in his earliest playing days before he became the legendary home run king.
1915 Cracker Jack (SP1) – Issued during Ruth’s second season, this is one of the more accessible early Ruth cards as it was inserted in Cracker Jack boxes. In top condition it still carries a high price tag running around $150,000-$200,000 for a PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10. The card uses an action photo of Ruth from his time with the Red Sox. It remains one of the most historic early issues featuring one of the game’s all-time greats.
1915 Boston Americans Team (C5) – This card shows a team photo of the 1915 Red Sox squad that included Ruth in the middle of the back row. Considered a key card in documenting Ruth’s early career in Boston, high grade examples can sell for over $50,000. It provides one of the earliest known group images featuring Ruth as a member of the Red Sox franchise.
1916 Sporting News (Ruth-1) – Issued during Ruth’s breakout season where he hit 11 home runs primarily as a pitcher, this card from The Sporting News set is one of the more historic early Ruth solo cards. It uses an individual photo of Ruth in a Red Sox uniform. Priced around $150,000 for top condition, it is a highly significant early precursor to his eventual home run prowess.
1918-19 Baltimore News (R1, R2) – After being sold to the Yankees, Ruth continued to be featured in the Baltimore News sets during his first two seasons in pinstripes. The R1 card from 1918 shows Ruth in the iconic Yankees uniform number 3. High grade examples can reach $150,000. The 1919 R2 card from his first season as a full-time outfielder/hitter is considered the first true “Bambino” card issued after his nickname emerged. Near mint copies sell for over $100,000.
1920 W514-1 – Issued during Ruth’s first 40 home run season, this E121-1 card from the famous W514 set is one of the more iconic early Yankee cards. It was during this season that the “Sultan of Swat” began redefining what was possible from a power hitter. In gem mint condition, this key Ruth rookie Yankees card can command well over $500,000.
1921 W515-1 – Building off his breakout 1920 campaign, the 1921 W515-1 card captures Ruth mid-swing and is one of the more visually appealing early issues. Priced around $250,000 in top grade, it highlights Ruth beginning to establish himself as baseball’s biggest star in the early 1920s.
1924 W579-1 – By 1924, Ruth was well on his way to smashing his own single season home run record of 59. This W579-1 card from that season sells for over $150,000 and $200,000 in mint condition as one of the more historically significant pre-modern issues.
1933 Goudey #53 – The famous 1933 Goudey set is best known for featuring the iconic “Murderers Row” team photo on the back. However, Ruth’s individual card remains one of the key pieces in the set. Even well-centered examples in EX-MT condition can sell for $50,000 due to the huge popularity of the 1933 Goudey issue.
1934 Goudey #179 – Building off the success of the 1933 set, Goudey issued another set the following year. Ruth’s 1934 card shows him in a batting stance and remains a highly iconic modern-era issue of the Bambino. Near mint copies regularly sell for $75,000-$100,000.
1935 Play Ball #7 – Issued during Ruth’s final season, the 1935 Play Ball set is especially significant as it captured the slugger at the very end of his legendary career. The card uses an action photo of Ruth taking a swing. Even well-worn copies in poorer condition will sell for $10,000 due to its importance.
In summary, Babe Ruth redefined what a power hitter could accomplish in baseball and his legendary home run feats are unlikely to ever be matched. Naturally, his early baseball cards from his time with both the Red Sox and Yankees are among the most valuable in the entire hobby. Cards like his 1914 Baltimore News rookie, 1920 and 1921 W500-W600 Yankees issues, and 1933 and 1934 Goudey cards regularly sell for five and six figures due to their immense historical significance in documenting the career of one of sport’s true icons. Babe Ruth cards will undoubtedly remain highly sought after collectors items for decades to come.
