What can be said about Babe Ruth that hasn’t already been stated? He was an All-Star, an MVP, a home run champion, a World Series champion; if there was a baseball title for the Bambino to win, he probably won it. But before he became arguably the greatest player the game had ever seen, he was just a kid out of Baltimore playing for the Boston Red Sox.

One of the several Babe Ruth items featured at the current Hake’s auction is a rare photograph of Ruth’s first spring training. The photograph has a number of other major players from that era in it, including Dutch Leonard and “Smokey” Joe Wood. Bidding ends on November 13, 2014.

That first season was an interesting time for Ruth; he initially did not get much of an opportunity to start games on the mound for the Red Sox, as they had the likes of Dutch Leonard (who had just broken the record for the lowest single-season ERA) and Ray Collins (who had won 20 games in 1913 and 1914) on their pitching staff. But as other members of Boston’s staff ended up injured, Ruth was given more of an opportunity to pitch. He finished the 1915 regular season with an 18-8 record, but he was also gaining a reputation for massive home runs, hitting .315 with four dingers that year. The Red Sox won the pennant that year, but Ruth did not pitch in the World Series. His only appearance was as a pinch hitter, and he grounded out.

Though clearly far better remembered for his prowess as a batter, Ruth’s first few years in the Major League were focused more on his pitching ability. His duels against Washington Senators ace Walter Johnson gained a lot of media attention, and Ruth won four out of five meetings. Because of his ability both on the mound and at the plate, Ruth can easily be considered the greatest player in baseball history.