The debate surrounding Babe Ruth’s “rookie card” revolves around two iconic trading cards: the 1914 Baltimore News card and the 1916 Sporting News card. The 1914 card was produced when Ruth was still with the Baltimore Orioles in the minor leagues, marking it as his earliest known card. Meanwhile, the 1916 Sporting News card, issued after Ruth joined Major League Baseball, technically holds the title of his official MLB rookie card. Collectors are divided over which of these two cards is Ruth’s true rookie card, with both holding historical significance for different reasons.
In recent sales, the 1914 Baltimore News card set a new record, selling for an impressive $7.2 million. This staggering price is largely due to the card’s rarity and its association with the earliest days of Ruth’s career. On the other hand, the 1916 Sporting News card, despite being the official MLB rookie card, is expected to fetch a much lower price at an upcoming auction on November 22. This price difference highlights the unique market dynamics in sports memorabilia, where age and scarcity can trump official “rookie” status.
The 1916 Sporting News card is still expected to draw serious attention from collectors. Michael Salfino of *The Athletic* noted that the card’s high condition rating (PSA 3.5, or Very Good-Plus) and the Morehouse backing make it an attractive piece, even if it lacks the value of the 1914 card. REA, the auction house handling the sale, has set a starting bid at $150,000, estimating a final price of around $500,000. This valuation reflects the card’s allure as Ruth’s official rookie card while still acknowledging that it’s outshone by the Baltimore News version in terms of historical prestige.
For those who can afford it, both cards offer a unique chance to own a piece of baseball history tied to one of the sport’s most legendary players. The upcoming auction gives collectors a rare shot at the 1916 Sporting News card, which is sure to fuel further debate over which card should be seen as Ruth’s true rookie. Regardless of preference, owning either card would be a trophy for any serious baseball collector.
