1925-1928 Babe Ruth New York Yankees Game-Used Bat - PSA/DNA

Sold For:

$72,000

Year:

1925

Auction:

2017 Spring

Lot #:

2016

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

Babe Ruth H&B signature-model bat (pre-dating model numbers) dating from the 1925-1928 manufacturing period. (The narrow dating span was determined by the unique center brand stamping.) Graded GU 7 by PSA/DNA. The bat, which is not cracked, displays light-to-moderate use, including several small depressions on all sides of the barrel. Although no model number appears on the bat, PSA/DNA has determined that it represents Ruth's "R2" model, based upon the schematics found in Ruth's Professional Bat Ordering Records (PBOR) on file at the Louisville Slugger Museum. The offered bat measures 36 inches in length and weighs 36.8 ounces. PSA/DNA notes that the weight in particular matches two orders found in Ruth's PBOR for 1926. One order, on March 8th, specifies "His #1 Small Model Light Weight," and the other, on May 1st, specifies "His Large #2 Model 6-21-24/36-38 oz.." Furthermore, PSA/DNA notes that "'His #1 Small Model' refers to his original R2 model with a smaller knob. Handle and barrel dimensions of the subject bat are those of the R2 model and the knob is slightly smaller." This bat dates to height of Ruth's career, when he was the main cog in baseball's famed "Murderers Row." Ruth missed much of the 1925 season to illness, but the three year span 1926 to 1928 saw him average 54 home runs (including his then record-setting total of 60 in 1927) and 155 RBI. He also posted batting averages of .372, .356, and .323 during that time frame as well. Ruth pro-model bats have always been highly coveted by collectors, especially those dating from the 1920s. This is a fine mid-grade example dating from the Yankees first great baseball dynasty. Length: 36 inches. Weight: 36.8 ounces. LOA from John Taube of PSA/DNA. Reserve $10,000. Estimate $25,000++.