1966-1968 Hank Aaron Pro-Model Bat

Sold For:

$7,638

Year:

1960

Auction:

2009 Spring

Lot #:

1260

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

Hank Aaron H&B signature model "K55" bat dating from the 1966-1968 manufacturing period. Graded A9 by MEARS. The bat displays heavy use along its entire length including ball marks, rack and cleat marks, grain swelling, and an application of pine tar on the handle. Aaron"™s uniform number ("44") is written on the knob in vintage black marker. This is particularly desirable. As MEARS notes in its accompanying LOA, the style of the "44" on the knob (with open tops) is consistent with other examined and documented Hank Aaron game bats. Aaron hit 112 home runs between the years 1966 and 1968, including League-leading totals of 44 and 39 in 1966 and 1967, respectively. Best remembered for breaking Ruth"™s hallowed career home-run record, Aaron was one of the greatest hitters in baseball and is one of only four players to reach the celebrated milestones of both 3,000 hits and 500 home runs. Length: 35 inches. Weight: 32.25 ounces. Graded A9 by MEARS (5 point base grade, plus 3 points for use, and an additional point for the uniform number on the knob). This is a particularly outstanding Hank Aaron bat. Although Hank Aaron pro-model bats are not rare, high-grade ones, such as this, are extremely rare. According to the MEARS census, this one of just seven bats graded A9 (out of forty-eight graded examples), with only five from all eras graded higher. This is also a especially rare and desirable era for an Aaron bat, dating from the heart of the 1960s. This bat has been consigned to this auction directly from the personal collection/inventory of world-renowned bat and jersey authenticator Troy Kinunen. LOA from Troy Kinunen/MEARS. Reserve $1,000. Reserve $2,000/$4,000. SOLD FOR $7,638