1972 to 1989 World Series Black Bat Collection (8)

Sold For:

$1,160

Year:

1972

Auction:

2005 Spring

Lot #:

807

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

The presentation of black bats to players, friends of the club, and dignitaries as a keepsake of Championship seasons is a tradition that began in the mid 1930s, and continues to this day. This collection offers eight examples that date from 1972 to 1989. Each Hillerich & Bradsby commemorative bat is engraved either "World Champions," "American League Champions," or "National League Champions" in green block letters on the barrel, surrounded by approximately twenty-five names engraved in gold block letters or facsimile signatures. 1) 1972 Cincinnati Reds "NL Champions" with H&B complimentary gift card attached (Rose, Bench, Kluszewski). 2) 1974 Oakland A's "World Champions" (Hunter and Jackson). 3) 1978 LA Dodgers "NL Champions" (Lasorda and Garvey). 4) 1979 Baltimore Orioles "AL Champions" (Weaver, Palmer, Murray, F. Robinson). 5) 1980 KC Royals "AL Champions" (George Brett). 6) 1986 Boston Red Sox "AL Champions" (Clemens, Boggs, Seaver). 7) 1989 Oakland A's "World Champions" (McGwire, Canseco, Eckersley). 8) 1989 SF Giants "NL Champions" (Clark, Mitchell, M. Williams). All the barrel stampings on the bats are crisp and bold. The bats grade Ex-Mt overall. Total 8 bats. Reserve $800. Estimate $1,500/$2,500. SOLD FOR $1,160.00