1969

Figural brass award was inspired by Babe Ruth who donned a similar crown during the 1920's. The award was created in 1956 by the Maryland Professional Baseball Players Association to be presented to the player with the highest slugging percentage and it was still being bestowed in the 1980's. In 1969 Harmon Killebrew was honored as the active batting leader as was Charlie Gehringer for his prowess decades prior. An applied placard on the front reads "Babe Ruth Crown, Presented to Charles Gehringer, For Outstanding Batting Achievement, 1969, Maryland Professional Baseball Players Association." The body is inscribed with text related to his career including lifetime batting average .321, his years as an All-Star, and 1949 Hall of Fame Induction date. Decorated with applied crossed bats and baseball figural pieces and the six points of the crown each have an inset colored glass gemstone in baseball diamond shaped field. Outstanding condition with little mentionable wear. A highly prestigious award and among the more visual which was ever created. Includes signed letter of provenance from Mrs. Charles Gehringer: EX/MT-NM