Details
BABE RUTH CONTRACT FOR CUBAN TOUR
Following the 1920 season, Babe Ruth toured Cuba and played in ten games with a group of American players. The tour was organized by Abel Linares a well known Cuban promotor who was also active with Negro League teams. During the tour, Ruth's team faced Cristobal Torriente (who ironically became known as the Babe Ruth of Cuban baseball). In one memorable game, after Torriente hit two home runs, Ruth demanded to pitch. In the two succeeding plate appearances, Torriente would double and homer again off Ruth resulting in the last time Ruth would seriously pitch. This lot is the contract for the tour signed by Linares, Ruth and his then agent John J. Igoe. Ruth was paid $10,000 to play ten games. He would never earn more on a per game basis for the rest of his career. The contract, dated September 7, 1920 has several small fold tears but is complete.
Following the 1920 season, Babe Ruth toured Cuba and played in ten games with a group of American players. The tour was organized by Abel Linares a well known Cuban promotor who was also active with Negro League teams. During the tour, Ruth's team faced Cristobal Torriente (who ironically became known as the Babe Ruth of Cuban baseball). In one memorable game, after Torriente hit two home runs, Ruth demanded to pitch. In the two succeeding plate appearances, Torriente would double and homer again off Ruth resulting in the last time Ruth would seriously pitch. This lot is the contract for the tour signed by Linares, Ruth and his then agent John J. Igoe. Ruth was paid $10,000 to play ten games. He would never earn more on a per game basis for the rest of his career. The contract, dated September 7, 1920 has several small fold tears but is complete.