CSG Certifies Rarely Seen 1928 Tharp's Babe Ruth Baseball Card

Certified Sports Guaranty® (CSG®) recently authenticated a vintage baseball card of arguably the most iconic player in MLB history: Babe Ruth. The 1928 Tharp's Ice Cream #6 Babe Ruth is certified by CSG as Authentic, which means it is a genuine card that has not been altered.

1928 Tharp's Ice Cream #6 Babe Ruth certified by CSG as Authentic Click images to enlarge.

Ruth has some of the most sought-after cards in the hobby, with many being holy grails of sports collectibles. The 1928 Tharp's #6 might not be one of his most sought-after examples, but its scarcity makes it another highly sought-after pre-war card for serious collectors. An example of this card realized $10,800 at a Heritage Auctions sale in October 2022.

Like many pre-war cards, this particular Ruth card was created as part of a promotion to advertise a product. While some of the legendary New York Yankees slugger's cards promoted department stores, caramel candies, gum companies and more, this card advertises an early ice cream company: Tharp's Ice Cream. Located in Samokin, Pennsylvania, Tharp's released the 1928 set, which included several 1 3/8" x 2 1/2" cards, as a promotion for their frozen confections.

The #6 Ruth card also has a unique distinction compared to the rest of the series. The back of the card tells patrons that it can be exchanged for a Tharp's ice cream bar. Additionally, customers who collected the entire 60-card set of baseball stars could redeem them all for a gallon of Tharp's ice cream.

There is no other name that is synonymous with baseball like that of Babe Ruth. The player revolutionized the game and helped popularize the sport in an unprecedented way. As for MLB legends, there are few that compare to "The Great Bambino."

Beginning his MLB career with the Boston Red Sox in 1914, Ruth starred as a pitcher during his early years in the league. Within a few years, the pitcher established himself as a hitter as well, becoming the first star two-way player in baseball. However, in December 1919, Boston controversially traded Ruth to the New York Yankees, where he played as an outfielder and became known as one of the greatest hitters of all time.

"The Sultan of Swat" brought his famous 22-year career to a close when he retired in 1935. He earned seven World Series championships, was the AL home runs leader 12 times and the AL RBI leader five times during his illustrious career. Ruth would enter the Baseball Hall of Fame as one of five players who are a part of the institution's inaugural class in 1936.

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