1951-1957 Gil Hodges Brooklyn Dodgers Signed Game-Used Bat PSA/DNA GU 9

Sold For:

$4,680

Year:

1951

Auction:

2023 Fall

Lot #:

3083

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

Gil Hodges Adirondack signature-model (113A) bat dating from the 1951-1957 labeling period. Graded GU 9 by PSA/DNA. The bat, which is not cracked, displays evidence of heavy use along its entire length, including slight checking (grain swelling, which occurs due to repeated ball contact) on the back of the barrel, numerous ball and stitch marks, cleat marks, green bat-rack marks, and light application of pine tar on the handle. Hodges has inscribed the bat "Leonard Thomas/Best Wishes/Gil Hodges" in vintage black ink on the sweet spot of the barrel (the signature and inscription are both well executed but contrast poorly against the dark background). This bat dates directly from Hodges' glory days with the Brooklyn Dodgers. The Dodgers captured four pennants and one World Championship between the years 1951 and 1957, largely in part to Hodges' prolific output. Hodges hit 231 home runs and drove in 744 runs during that seven-year period, including career-high marks of 42 home runs and 130 RBI in 1954. One of the most popular players in Dodgers history, Hodges finished his career with 370 home runs, 1,274 RBI, and a .273 batting average. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2022. Hodges game bats are scarcer than those of most other Hall of Fame players from the era, and autographed examples are especially coveted by collectors. Length: 35 inches. Weight: 33.4 ounces. Full LOA from John Taube of PSA/DNA (bat only, corresponding sticker affixed to the barrel end). Full LOA from James Spence/JSA (signature only, corresponding sticker affixed to the barrel end). The size/weight of this item requires that there will be an additional shipping charge for this lot. Opening Bid $2,500.