This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/3/2017
In 1925, Traynor led the Pirates to their first pennant in 16 years. He hit .346 with a home run against the Washington Senators in the World Series, which Pittsburgh won in seven games. He led the Pirates to the pennant again two years later, but they lost the World Series to the New York Yankees.
Traynor's last full season was in 1934 when he hit over .300 for the ninth time in ten seasons, and was named as the starting third baseman for the NL in the 1934 All-Star Game
At some time during the following seasons, Harold Pie Traynor picked up this Hand Turned Spalding bat and continued on his Hall of Fame path. This bat was issued to be used by Traynor during the 1926-1934 timespan, and was possibly used during his last full season, 1934.
Traynor was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1948.
Our consignor “picked” this bat and documented the story with the hand written letter which accompanies this bat. In part it reads, “I’m from Idaho and was working as an intern in the Pittsburgh area for a couple weeks. I’ve always loved going to thrift and this is my greatest find so far. I found this at Goodwill in Heidelberg, PA and bought it for $2.22. I found it in one of the bins there and what caught my eye was the shape of the knob which isn’t as pronounced as modern day bats…. I purchased this on 7/1/17 for 95 cent a pound.
The bat measures 34” and weighs 34 ounces. Review of Traynor’s H&B bat records list numerous orders at n/s (non specified) with a weight range of 34 to 38 ounces. Therefore, this bat is an acceptable length and weight for what Traynor would have used during the era.
The phrase “Hand Turned” is stamped into the center brand. Hand Turned bats were exclusive to professional models and were found on game used Spalding bats from the era.
The center brand dates to the 1926-1934 as supported by examples in the MEARS Official Center brand Dating site.
The bat has heavy game use, with deadwood to the reverse of barrel, dryness to the barrel end, and a chip on the knob.
Provenance: Our consignor purchased this bat from a Goodwill store in Heidelberg, PA. . The store was located a mere 7 miles from old Forbes field. It is most likely this bat was gifted by Pie Traynor to a local fan that lived within miles of the stadium. The bat appears to have been kept in that family for nearly 80+ years before being dropped off at the local Goodwill.
Final Grade: Due to the length, weight and model of the bat, a base grade of 5 points is assigned for the bat being consistent professional traits that would have been used by Pie Traynor. 3 points were assigned for heavy game used and ball marks. Minus 1.5 points for notated damage.
This bat has basically resided in the shadow of the ghost of Forbes Field since the 1920/30s. Our consignor, seeing value, rescued the bat and has saved it for future generations to enjoy. This bat will forever now be known within the hobby as the “Goodwill Traynor”. Enjoy. LOA MEARS Troy R. Kinunen
06h0079
(MEARS Auction LOA)