This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/29/2009
After signing his contract with Louisville Slugger on October 13th, 1908, Ty Cobb maintained a long and successful relationship with the Hillerich & Bradsby company. At his retirement in 1928, Ty Cobb had amassed more hits (4,189) than any man that had ever played the game, and Louisville Slugger bats were very instrumental in the making of that record and the creation of the legend.
In addition, it is in our professional opinion that this bat possesses wood grain traits especially requested by Ty Cobb and documented in his autobiography. According to the book, “My Life in Baseball by Ty Cobb with Al Stump”, Cobb replies to J. Frederick Hillerich’s offer of $75.00 for him to use Louisville Slugger bats with a negotiation. Cobb states, “I’ll give you my name for nothing if you provide me with selected bats. I want you to agree to set aside the best wood that comes into your plant.” Judging by the quality of this wood, H&B honored this agreement and the practiced continued through the 1920s.
The Whirly Knot factor. Although MEARS has examined many Ty Cobb bats, this bat is the first where I can recall such as specific wood characteristics, in this case the Whirly Knot. Cobb writes, “Give me a straight and fine grain, not a heavy grain. Try to find wood with small whirly knots in it”.
When examining this bat, you can look at the wood and match the traits specifically to the written words of Cobb.
“Straight and fine grain, not heavy”. Here you go Ty. “Try to find wood with small whirly knot in it”. Someone at H&B must have saved this piece of lumber and stored it in the specially designated Ty Cobb bat bin as it perfectly matches the description as stated by Cobb. When examining the reverse barrel area of grain, it can only be described as, “straight and fine grain, not heavy, with one perfect Whirly Knot smack dab in the center.” This bat perfectly matched the written specifications of wood grain requested by Ty Cobb.
MEARS Auction’s is proud to offer this 1922-25 Ty Cobb Louisville Slugger Game Used bat. The time span of this bat is quite important to the legacy of Cobb as the bat was manufactured and made available for a period of time where his seasonal hit totals read, 211, 189, & 211. In addition, during the 1922 season, Cobb batted .401, the final time in his career he would bat over .400. Although the bat cannot be documented to have been used during any one of those specific seasons, it was definitively available for Cobb’s use during this time period. Finally, all three of these seasons were played in Detroit with the Tigers.
About the bat:
1922-25 Dating: Examination of the centerbrand reveals this bat is consistent with known production examples of a bat manufactured at the Hillerich & Bradsby factory during the 1922-25 timespan. It was during this time that “MADE IN THE USA” was first stamped within the centerbrand oval. According to the book, “A complete Reference Guide to Louisville Slugger Professional Player bats by Vince Malta”, “…The positioning of the “M” in “MADE” lined up to the right of the second “I” in “HILLERICH” and above the first “I” in “LOUISVILLE”, distinguishing it from other examples.” Malta also notes, “the bat has very distinctive lettering shapes such as the curved right leg “R” in “HILLERICH”…” According to the MEARS bat trade census, this is only the third bat from this 1922-25 time span examined by our company. The others, MEARS #251722, was from the personal collection of Cobb friend Luke Sewell, and MEARS #309434, which originated from the H&B vaults.
C28 model: Although not marked on the bat, (this practice did not occur until many years later), this bat is cataloged by H&B as the C28 model. It is characterized by a Cobb preferred flared knob, slender handle, tapered barrel, with half-rounded end. This was the predominant model used by Cobb throughout his major league career.
Length 34”: The length of 34” is a factory-recorded length manufactured for Ty Cobb. While researching the H&B records, an undated bat card believed to have been used for pre 1920s major league bat production listed Ty Cobb as ordering 34” bats. Records indicate 34.5” was the staple order for Cobb, but 34” is a verified and acceptable length for Ty Cobb game used bats. In addition, this bat is consistent with respect to weight to MEARS #309434. This bat, also from 1922-25, measured at 34” and originated from the vaults of H&B. Therefore, the 34” length is supported by both factory records and a known authentic example.
Weight 37.25 ounces: During the 1922-25 era, H&B factory records document Ty Cobb ordering bats weighing 36 to 42 ounces. This bat falls within the documented weight range of bats ordered by Ty Cobb.
Wood: This bat is manufactured from high-grade evenly proportioned tight grain wood.
Game Use: Examination of the bat confirms heavy game use. The heavy use starts with inspection of the knob. The flat surface of the knob shows signs of hand rasping (H&B employees did this to meet Cobb’s specified weight criteria). The knob surface and rounded flared edges shows even wear, and compression of the wood grain, associated with game use. Moving up to the handle, there are approximately 22 gripping notches that have been added to the area. Although not seen before, Cobb was known to tape his handle, and this may have been an attempt at improving grip, much as the same effect as using tape. Cobb addressed the issue of tape in his autobiography, stating the goal was to create an uneven surface. These notched create that desired effect.
There are also several cleat marks lightly scattered in the same area. This was have occurred from holding the barrel end of the bat and tapping of the cleats. Cobb was known to have tapped his cleats resulting in similar marks on other known authentic examples. The heavy game use continues to the barrel end. With the bats exception color, wood grain, manufacturers characteristics, the only flaw is the barrel end has signs of dryness, associated with improper storage years after the bat was gifted by Ty Cobb to some unknown fan.
Grading: Examination of the manufacturers records conclude that this model (C28), Length (34”), Weight (37.25”), Centerbrand (1922-25), and wood selection were verified by H&B factory records and the written word of Ty Cobb which allowed for the assignment of 5 base grade points. Player use characteristics were determined to exhibit heavy game use with cleat marks, 3 points were awarded. Due to the dryness of the barrel end, minus ½ point was assigned, thus the bat achieved the final grade of MEARS A7.5