Rare Autographs, Manuscripts, Entertainment and Sports Auction December 9th
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/9/2021
Ruth came to the city of Passaic May 3rd, 1933 to thank six orphan boys for saving a commuter train from near-certain disaster!
This 24-inch wooden key is attributed to Babe Ruth and was part of the Sotheby's Halper auction, with the original tags included. The piece is a Key to the City presented to Ruth by the City of Passaic, New Jersey from Mayor Benjamin Turner. The wooden key is painted gold and has various scuffs and fading. A fantastic item from the great Bambino!
Ruth came to the city of Passaic May 3rd, 1933 to thank six orphan boys for saving a commuter train from near-certain disaster, the visit made national headlines. The boys saved a train full of passages from crashing off the tracks. When they came out to play in their ballfield they noticed how the rain had washed away a portion of the dirt embankment that supported the Erie Railroad tracks, a commuter line that ran between Jersey City and Passaic. They flagged down the train just in time to stop them for derailing.
When Ruth found out about the fantastic story, he wanted to visit the town, Ruth who also was raised in an orphanage – St. Mary's Industrial Home for Boys in Baltimore, could relate to these 6 orphan boys. This story made national press and of course was great PR for the town and the Pride of the Yankees!
Key to City Given To Babe Ruth, from Passaic, NJ (Sotheby's Halper tags) For Congratulating A Group of 6 Heroic Orphan Boys!
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