Collectors search for cards, autographs, and memorabilia of various athletes in an attempt to capture their heroes. You can search long and hard trying to build a great collection, but without a solid representation from Babe Ruth, your collection will always be incomplete. Babe Ruth will always be the "King of Collectables", and a Ruth bat is a trophy for all.
Similar to baseball cards that come in all different grades and values, so do Babe Ruth bats. With this example being awarded the MEARS A4.5 grade, one lucky bidder will have the chance to add a collector grade Ruth bat to his/her collection. As to the 34" length, this has been an item for much converstion. We have records of a 34.5" bat and Ruth himself stated in his book that he preferred 35-36" but did somtimes use bats a bit shorter.
Dating 1925-28: Per the book, "A Complete Reference Guide Louisville Slugger Professional Player bats by Vince Malta", the book dates to 1925-28 per the design of the centerbrand.
Length 34": According to available H&B factory records, for the years 1920-30, Ruth ordered bats in the following lengths: n/s (non specified), 34.5", 35" to 36". Therefore this bat is slightly shorter than documented examples.
Weight 33.2 ounces: According to available H&B factory recordds, for the years 1920-30, Ruth ordered bats that weighed from 36 to 46 ounces. Although currently weighing a little less than 3 ounces from the lightest documented weight, bats have been proven to loose weight. See article at www.mearsonline.com, "What we reallly know about baseball bats by Dave Grob" with special attention to the findings of the Baseball Research Center at the University of Massachusetts (Lowell-Department of Engineering). Therefore, the bat may have been shipped at a heavier weight, or may have been manufactured near or at its current weight.
Facsimile Barrel signature: Barrel Signature version: This bat exhibits the Second Version barrel stamping facsimile signature which came into use during the 1921/22 era and was used for the remainder of his career (1921/22 to 1935).
Final Grade & Use: Bat exhibits heavy game use, with cleat marks and small divots scattered to the left of the barrel stampings, and touching the "babe" on barrel. Small areas of deadwood near front barrel end, and reverse barrel. Base grade: 5 points for matches known model and consistent with team ordering patterns, 3 points for heavy use, minus three for non-documented length and for lighter than documented Ruth weight, minus 1/2 for divot on barrel and chipped knob. Final Grade: MEARS A4.5
01165