This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/9/2020
Offered is a baseball bat attributed to Hall of Fame Negro League legend Turkey Stearnes who was considered to be one of the greatest power hitters in the history of the Negro Leagues among the likes of Josh Gibson, Buck Leonard and Mule Suttles. "Turkey Stearnes" is carved on one side of the barrel in printed style lettering while "Norman T. Stearnes" is wood burned on the opposite side of the barrel in cursive style script along with "779" (or it could be "GLL") stamped on the knob. Bat currently measures 35.5", weighs 34.5 ounces and remains in excellent overall condition. Bat came from the collection of a SABR member who collected Negro League memorabilia and interviewed the players. It is theorized the bat was gifted to the researcher during one of the interview sessions, but no further provenance is included. It is well documented that players of the Negro League made their own bats. Never being offered a contract by Louisville Slugger, it appears the original owner of this bat tried to closely duplicate the factory barrel stamping process. (34J0164)
(MEARS Auction LOA)