Babe Ruth Central recently heard from a fan about a special photo in their collection. The owner of the autographed photo below is Kenny Kaspar, son of Rudy Kaspar, the New York police officer seen accompanying the Babe. The photo was taken on June 13th, 1948, the last time Babe visited Yankee Stadium. In addition, Kenny shared another photo which shows the Babe coming out of the dugout for a final ovation.
In the autographed photo, Babe and his personal escort, Rudy, are walking back to the clubhouse after Babe’s final appearance. In fact, it’s our understanding that this particular photo is actually the last taken with Babe in a Yankee uniform. Only a couple months later Babe had passed away at Memorial Hospital in New York City of cancer.
Kenny also provided us with a clipping of a letter that his father had shared with a local magazine recounting the June 13th event.
Rudy was also one of the officers on guard for Ruth’s viewing at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on the day of his funeral. Kenny shared photos of fans paying their last respects to the Babe at St. Patrick’s, while his father stood guard.
Thank you, Kenny, for sharing this very important photo and story of your Dad. BRC appreciates your father’s role in one of Babe’s final great moments, as well as “watching over the Babe” as other fans said goodbye.
