1921-1931 Babe Ruth Pro Model Bat

Sold For:

$21,150

Year:

1921

Auction:

2009 Spring

Lot #:

1241

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

A Babe Ruth bat is one of the most highly prized pieces of baseball memorabilia of any type, and a worthy centerpiece not just to a museum-caliber bat collection, but to any baseball memorabilia collection. It is one of the few items that transcends just memorabilia collecting, and is appreciated by collectors and noncollectors alike. When the National Sports Gallery in Washington displayed a Babe Ruth bat in a manner that allowed anyone to touch the bat, hundreds of thousands of visitors came to do just that. When a genuine Babe Ruth bat is available to hold, collectors and fans are compelled to grip the bat, as the Babe once gripped the bat, and to swing (even if only a "half-swing" in slow motion), as the Babe once swung, to feel the weight and power of the bat, and, maybe, the presence of Babe Ruth's spirit. This Hillerich & Bradsby signature model (pre model #) bat, dating from the 1921-1931 manufacturing period, features a hand-rasped knob and displays light game use, including slight swelling (from hitting balls) and a few cleat marks on the barrel. There is trace evidence of former writing (no longer legible) on the sweet spot of the barrel which does not detract in the least from the bat's display value. (The writing, which appears to be just a single, small word, is barely visible to the naked eye and is mentioned merely for the sake of accuracy.) The manufacturer's stampings are deeply distinct and contrast very strongly against the beautiful natural wood color, giving this example an unusually impressive visual appeal. This is a stunning Babe Ruth bat dating from the peak of Ruth's career and the glory years of the Yankees franchise. Length: 35 inches. Weight: 34.5 ounces. (MEARS notes in its accompanying letter that the bat has probably lost a few ounces over the years, which is common to bats of this age.) Graded A6 by MEARS (5 point base grade plus 1 point for light use). LOA from Troy Kinunen/MEARS. Reserve $5,000. Estimate $10,000+. SOLD FOR $21,150