1960 Ted Williams HR # 517 Bat

This is the actual bat that Ted Williams used to hit home run # 517 on Sept. 2, 1960 against Washington at Fenway Park. This bat was once a part of the famed Harry Carlson Collection. It was presented personally by Ted Williams to Harry Carlson at home plate on Ted Williams Day, which was held on Ted Williams' final home game at Fenway Park, as part of the ceremonies immediately following the game. Carlson was the Chairman of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, and was chosen to preside over the ceremonies of the day. Carlson was a well-known figure in New England's sporting world for decades. His involvement in the world of sports primarily revolved around charitable causes and community activism and service. He served as the chairman of many committees relating to sporting events in the New England area, including Ted Williams' Days, Bob Cousy Night, Bobby Doerr Day, Jimmy Fund Days, etc., as well as serving on the Board of Directors of Ted Williams' favorite charity, The Jimmy Fund, for over 20 years. The bat is accompanied by a letter from Harry Carlson detailing the presentation of the bat, which reads in part: "In September of 1960, the Red Sox contacted the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce to have them handle the ceremonies at a planned Ted Williams Day in conjunction with his last baseball game to be played at Fenway Park. As Chairman of the Chamber's Sports Committee, I was chosen to preside over the program for that day. Ted met with the committee and decided he would only agree if the Program was short and all proceeds go to The Jimmy Fund (research for cancer in children) and a minimum of people were on the field. As a result, Mayor John Collins, Curt Gowdy, Ted and myself (were on the field). After the ceremony Haywood Sullivan and Ted Williams called me to home plate and presented me with his 517th Home Run bat in appreciation for the work I did for the Day." Also included is an additional letter from Curt Gowdy, who writes "The final home game of Ted Williams for 1960 at Fenway Park was one of my all time great memories. I'm sure you'll recall that I was the Emcee for the ceremony...I also remember that you were the Chairman of Ted Williams Day and also the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Sports Committee. That afternoon Ted Williams and Haywood Sullivan presented you with the bat which was used to hit Ted Williams' 517th Home Run." Harry Carlson (who is now deceased) personally consigned this bat to Robert Edward Auctions June 1995 sale, where it appeared as Lot #568, and sold for $8,161. The bat has been consigned to this sale directly from the winning bidder at the 1995 sale. Articles on Carlson also accompany the bat; including one which features a photograph of Hank Aaron personally presenting Carlson with his home run bat #521, which was also sold by Robert Edward Auctions in 1995. Also accompanying the bat is Harry Carlson's original contract with REA, in which he is consigning his bat collection, dated December 8, 1994. This Hillerich & Bradsby model U1 is 36 inches in length and weighs 35 ounces. Williams' player number "9" appears in vintage black marker on both the knob and barrel end. The numbers have faded over time but are clearly legible. There has been professional restoration to a very slight crack in the handle and to several vertical holes which were neatly drilled by Harry Carlson for display purposes. This minor restoration has been executed flawlessly and is literally undetectable. The bat exhibits tremendous game use. According to Hillerich & Bradsby's shipping records, this bat was part of Ted Williams' second to last order of bats ever. This is one of exactly six U1 model bats that were shipped to Ted Williams by Hillerich and Bradsby on August 31st, 1960. This is an extremely significant Ted Williams home-run bat, with extensive documentation of a quality and detail that is rarely encountered with any bat for any player, let alone a player of Ted Williams' great stature. SCD Authentic Grade: A10. LOAs from Dave Bushing & Dan Knoll/SCD Authentic and John Taube & Vince Malta/PSA DNA. Reserve $5,000. Estimate $10,000/$20,000. SOLD FOR $43,125.00

Spring 2004 - Item detail

1960 Ted Williams HR # 517 Bat