This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/2/2016
Offered for this lot is an extremely rare Babe Ruth Hillerich & Bradsby Louisville Slugger 250 Pro Model bat which dates from the 1921-1931 era. 250 was the top of the line Louisville Slugger bat. There are documented block letter 250 examples which originated from the Louisville Slugger vaults. 250 models with inch marks could be found in dealer catalogs, this bat does not, therefore is designated as a professional model. Bat has professional grade wood with a hand turned knob, which is most often associated with professional use.
In the book, “A Complete Reference Guide Louisville Slugger Professional Player Bats” by Vince Malta, he references an entry in Babe Ruth’s personal bat records:
His Model #1, aka small or Ruth round end, (Model R2), 36”, 1920: 46e, e=250 finish grade
Therefore, the 250 model is documented as being used by Ruth. With this bat currently weighing 42 ounces, it is within an acceptable range with respect to weight to the 40+ ounce bat referenced in Ruth’s personal bat entry.
Additional Information About the 250 Model
Major league use for this particular bat is not documented via provenance or factory records, but it was manufactured from the highest grade of professional wood and consistent in regards to length, weight, and model with a bat that would be used in a major league game. Louisville Slugger factory records from pre-1930 are quite incomplete, but there are some exact factory record references to Hall of Fame players ordering 250 models. Fellow Major Leaguers with Louisville Slugger 250 professional model bats found in their shipping records include Ki Ki Cuyler (order on 4/18/23) and Babe Ruth (order on 8/23/20)
Length 34”: Measuring 34” in length, this bat is shorter than the documented 35” and 36” Ruth bats which have entered the hobby. But, it should be noted that early bats from this era were not recorded by length and were ordered by weight only. Ruth did reference that he used bats shorter than 35” at various times of his career.
Weight 42 ounces: Weighing a very heavy 42 ounces, the weight of this bat is quite desirable to Babe Ruth bat collectors. As stated when addressing the length, bats during this era were ordered by weight only, and this bat is consistent with documented weights requested by Ruth.
Game Use: This bat exhibits phenomenal game use. There is a flattened hitting surface, most likely a result of boning, found above the Ruth facsimile barrel signature. Numerous cleat marks are scattered on the barrel. Remnants of a Louisville Slugger shipping label can be found to the right of the center brand, indicting this bat was returned to Louisville Slugger as a favorite bat for duplicates to be made.
Final Grade (MEARS A6): Base grade of 5 points assigned for the bat’s professional issuance, documented weight, and documented model as ordered by Ruth. 3 points for heavy game use and cleat marks. Minus 2 for discoloration of the handle and repair combined with the 34” length which is shorter than documented examples.
MEARS hologram 307719. Final Grade MEARS A6. (95W0508)
LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS