Rare 1914-1915 Frank Baker Philadelphia Athletics Game-Used Bat PSA/DNA GU 8

Sold For:

$15,000

Year:

1914

Auction:

2019 Fall

Lot #:

2088

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

Frank Baker H&B signature-model (pre-dating model numbers) bat dating from the 1914-1915 manufacturing period. Graded GU 8 by PSA/DNA. Frank Baker game-used bats are exceedingly rare. This is the first example we have ever offered and, as PSA/DNA notes in its accompanying LOA, this is just the fourth Frank Baker bat certified by the company. The offered bat is also notable for the fact that it features a patented "Kork" grip handle. Based upon the design of the center-brand, which is labeled "40-K" (denoting the "Kork" grip handle) and the "Kork" grip patent date of September 15, 1914, the bat can be conclusively dated to the 1914 and 1915 seasons. Baker's facsimile signature is stamped on the barrel, below which is stamped "World's Championship Model." The bat, which is not cracked, displays evidence of excellent use, including ball marks, cleat marks, and green bat-rack marks. As is almost always the case with "Kork" grip bats, much of the cork on the handle has worn away. PSA/DNA notes in its LOA that it believes the "Kork" grip bats were originally produced for H&B's top endorsers, including Baker, Honus Wagner, Nap Lajoie and Eddie Collins. After receiving positive feedback on the bats, H&B continued to manufacture examples as late as the 1980s. Baker, who was the most prominent member of Connie Mack's fabled "$100,000 infield," earned his famous sobriquet, "Home Run Baker," in the 1911 World Series by virtue of his two game-winning home runs in Games 2 and 3. 1911 also marked the first of four consecutive seasons in which he led the American League in home runs. Baker batted .319 with a league-leading nine home runs and 89 RBI in 1914. The following season he became embroiled in a salary dispute with A's manager/owner Connie Mack and refused to report to the club. Instead, he played all summer with a number of local teams near his Maryland home. The following season his contract was purchased the New York Yankees. Baker retired with the Yankees in 1922, finishing his career with a .307 lifetime average, 96 home runs, and 987 RBI (lofty totals during baseball's dead-ball era). He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1955. Length: 34 inches. Weight: 38.4 ounces. Reserve $5,000. Estimate (open).