It’s a first for the Monster Card Monday feature. This week’s entry, the 1930 reprint of Babe Ruth’s card is the first time a player has re-appeared for a second time. The Babe was my selection as a Monster Card with his 1927 card back in June. Yes, I need to find his 1921 card sometime, I know.
In 1930, Ruth led the AL with 49 homeruns in 1930 for the fifth year in a row (and would do so for a sixth year in 1931). He also led the league in slugging percentage (.732), on-base percentage (.493) and walks (136). Ruth also broke 150 in runs and rbis that year. Alas, it wasn’t enough to bring his Yankees to the AL pennant. They finished in third place behind Philadelphia and a surprisingly good Washington team.
| Split | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | CS | BB | SO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1930 Totals | 145 | 676 | 518 | 150 | 186 | 28 | 9 | 49 | 153 | 10 | 10 | 136 | 61 | .359 | .493 | .732 |
Ruth’s 1930 card is one that APBA was made for… power and walks. He’s got plenty of both. His 1-1-4-5-5 power numbers were made for runners on base. His 136 walks in 676 plate appearances translates to seven 14s.
Even with all the power and 14s, there was room for some extra goodies thanks in part to his nifty .359 batting average. You’ll find one 7 at 55 plus a 10 at 15. I’m not sure what his Master Game steal rating is but it might not be worth risking it. He was 10 for 20 at stealing the next base.
Even at his advanced age (34) and ahem, girth, Ruth will do ok in the field. He was rated OF-2. And hey, you need a pitcher? Just bring the Babe in. He’ll at least won’t give up a key walk as he has a Z. For the record, he did start one game and completed it. In that game, he allowed only three runs and only 2 walks. Most importantly, Ruth won the game despite giving up 11 hits.
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