Johnny Sylvester

Ruth said he would hit a home run on his behalf, which was followed by what was widely reported at the time as Sylvester's miraculous recovery.

His father, Horace Clapp Sylvester Jr., was a banker who by 1926 was a vice president at National City Bank and served as head of its municipal department.

The injury progressed over the summer and by September he had been diagnosed with osteomyelitis in his skull, a condition that is caused by an infection that leads to bone deterioration.

Ruth sent back from St. Louis a package that included two balls, one autographed by members of the Yankees and the other by players from the Cardinals.

[3] Inscribed on the ball was a note from Ruth that read, "I'll knock a homer for you on Wednesday", referring to the forthcoming Game 4 of the series.

[7] Sylvester graduated from Princeton University in 1937 and later served in the United States Navy during World War II, where he reached the rank of lieutenant.