LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2008 May Signature Sports Collectibles #709  / 

19708

1961-63 Willie Mays Game Used Bat

Currency:USD Category:Sports - Cards & Fan Shop / Sports - Game Used Memorabilia Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:6,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD
1961-63 Willie Mays Game Used Bat
<B>1961-63 Willie Mays Game Used Bat.</B></I> "If he could cook," Hall of Fame manager Leo Durocher said of his rookie star back in 1951, "I'd marry him." Almost certainly the finest five-tool player in the game's long history, Willie Mays was at the height of his considerable powers when he stood at the plate with this Hillerich & Bradsby S2 at the ready, the labeling period of the bat coinciding with a three-season stretch that saw Mays average over forty-two homers annually. Experts John Taube and Vince Malta characterize the use as "outstanding," suggesting very strongly that at least a couple of those four-baggers were launched from the bat's battered surface. Ball marks and stitch impressions coat the barrel, which is swollen from the punishment. We must note that our experts surmise that some degree of this use postdates Mays' ownership of the bat, suggesting action in another individual's hands as well. Red and green bat rack marks are apparent, and the knob is slightly chipped though the handle remains uncracked. The length of thirty-five inches and weight of thirty-five and a half ounces are prime Mays specifications, and match factory records perfectly. The back of the barrel features a 10/10 blue sharpie inscription from this greatest of all living players, reading, "Best Wishes, Willie Mays, 660 HR, 65 MVP." It appears that the number "24" on the knob dates to the same time as the inscription, well after Mays' playing days concluded. A solid specimen that could rightfully be considered one of the key artifacts of the 1960's game. Graded GU6. <I>LOA from Taube & Malta. LOA from PSA/DNA (autograph). LOA from James Spence Authentication (autograph).</B></I><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Bats, Clubs, Sticks, Swords, Rif (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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