If you followed baseball in the mid-1920's, you knew all about Walter Johnson and his Washington Senators’ battery-mate, Herold “Muddy” Ruel. Behind the Big Train, the Senators won back-to-back pennants in 1924 and ’25 with the durable Ruel catching 149 games in ’24 and 127 more in ’25. Their success is at least in part attributed to the arrival of the defensive-minded Ruel in 1923. Johnson was simply the greatest pitcher in the game. They became a nearly unbeatable combination. This week, we have one of the nicest Johnson images we've ever handled: an original full-length shot of the Johnson-Ruel tandem, taken at Griffith Stadium circa 1924. Carrying a “National Photo” stamp on the back, the 7x9” photo shows evidence of once having been mounted in a scrapbook. Still, it remains in fine shape overall for its age. It was in the World Series of 1924 when Ruel carved his name in the history books. Facing off against the New York Giants, the series went seven hotly contested games. Johnson lost twice and Muddy hadn't done anything at the plate. Both rewarded the faith of manager Bucky Harris in Game 7 when Johnson came on in relief to earn the victory and even got a hit late in the game. Ruel singled and scored the tying run in the 8th inning, then doubled and scored the winning run in the 12 th. The two men remained friends for years. Both were intelligent men known for their ideals and were revered by Senators fans. Vintage, original baseball photographs have become one of the most popular and fastest growing forms of sports collecting. We’re always excited when we can offer one that’s truly great. The full length photo captures the two Senators’ stars in their prime and we’re certain a fan who appreciates the history it reveals will give it the good home it deserves. Could it be you?
