Babe Ruth memorabilia is a home run on 'Antiques Roadshow'

On Monday's episode of "Antiques Roadshow," a Wisconsin man brought in some personalized memorabilia from one of the most revered feats in baseball history.

"This is a presentation piece that Babe Ruth gave to my grandfather and grandmother. It denotes the 60 home runs that he hit," the owner said on "Antiques Roadshow."

It's not every day you come across a Babe Ruth autograph. It's even rarer to find a personalized commemorative poster from the year when he set the record for most home runs in one season. The Bambino's incredible 1927 season saw him hit 60 homers alongside the most legendary lineup in baseball history known as "Murderers' Row." That record would stand for more than 30 years.

But the Babe did more than just hit home runs that year. He was known to do his fair share of socializing, sometimes with the owner's grandfather -- and it showed in the inscription. He wrote, "To my pals Mr. & Mrs. George Lovell, from your pal Babe Ruth." It was dated Christmas of 1928. What a present! Sure beats a lump of coal.

The generous gift has stayed in the Lovell family and now resides on the bedroom wall of the owner's teenage son. Just how valuable a decoration is it?

"I'm very proud to tell you this is worth between twenty and twenty-five thousand dollars," the appraiser said.
"Wow," the owner replied.

It sure pays to be friends with one of the greatest baseball players of all time. Now that Ruth has long since passed, his signature is even more valuable. In the 15 years since the episode first aired, the piece's value shot up more than $10,000.