| When the future of baseball appeared to be in danger
after eight players were accused of throwing the 1919 World Series, Babe
Ruth stepped to the plate and renewed America's love of the game.
Ruth became an idol of the country for his on-the-field heroics and his
colorful personality. Ken Burns' 1994 documentary on baseball noted
of Ruth: "In an age of conspicuous consumption, he was the most conspicuous
consumer of them all." What better icon for companies to use in advertising
their products than the Sultan of Swat?
Pictured here: The cover of a sporting goods catalogue (1920), a notebook
cover (mid-1920s), and an underwear advertisement (1920s). |
