This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/1/2015
1933-34 Joe Jackson H&B Louisville Slugger Post Career Barnstorming Bat (MEARS A7)
The story of Joe Jackson is certainly tragic, but no one will ever know if his fate was just. Certainly one of the greatest players to grace a ball diamond, the lifetime banishment created 100 years of “what if’s?”
With baseball still running through his veins and the need to earn a living, Shoeless Joe took to the barnstorming tour to make a living. For nearly 2 decades after being banned, Jackson played 100s in not thousands of exhibition games spanning both coasts, Canada and parts of Mexico according to some rumors.
While doing so, he needed a bat. Although fortune and fame left him, his faithful black Betsy still remained his constant companion. And, just like Jackson who was forced to undergo changes in his appearance and to play in disguises; his bat had to do the same.
Starting in about 1921, the hobby has seen signature model Joe Jackson bats enter the hobby. MEARS President Troy R. Kinunen owns an example that was used during a barnstorming trip out west. The 1920s bats examined by MEARS were nearly identical to his pre 1920 offerings, with the exception the name “Joe” was removed from the barrel. The signature “Jackson” was identical to what was found during his playing days, just Joe was stricken. Although no documentation is known which explains the reason for the removal of his name, it is theorized that H&B, not wanting to hurt its relationship with Major League Baseball, thought that by removing “Joe” they could still supply Jackson with bats while appearing to support the leagues penalty.
Joe Jackson had been a paid endorsee of Louisville Slugger. His 40JJ and decal store model bats were included in promotional materials alongside Ruth, Cobb, and Speaker. At some point during the late 1920s, his product was removed from the catalogs.
This fact is important since the offered bat in this auction has the 125 J (Jackson) center brand label. The brand was discontinued, so its appearance on the bat supports professional issuance of this lumber. In conjunction with the 125J center brand is the block letter “JACKSON” last name. Along with the bat’s black Betsy finish, we are confident to attribute this to be a 1933-34 Joe Jackson Black Betsy model bat used for Barn Storming. Much is written about Jackson barnstorming during the 1930s. and the website, www.blackbetsy.com, published a photo of Joe Jackson batting against a team from Columbia, SC in 1932.
The rest of the facts of this bat include:
Dating 1933-34: Based on the design of the Powerized and Oil Tempered, the bat dates to the 1933-34 era.
Model: The centerbrand is listed as the 125J, and the model of the bat is consistent with Jackson’s J13 model.
Length: 35” and is consistent with known Joe Jackson bats.
Weight 33 ounces: Currently weighing 33 ounces, the weight is lighter than known Jackson examples from his playing career, but may be attributed to his advancing age.
Finish: This bat features the “Black Betsy” finish.
Game Use: Heavy use with swelling of the grain with a handle crack. There are 8 nails in the handle.
Branding: The barrel is simply stamped “JACKSON”. With his banishment from baseball, it is theorized that H&B dropped his facsimile signature from their line. This may explain the “JACKSON” last name only.
The 125J was not issued as a store model bat after Jackson’s banishment. This model never appeared in 1930s dealer catalogs, so it is assumed this bat was supplied to Jackson for his barnstorming career.
Bat receives 5 points for matching known player characteristics and 3 points for heavy use with 1 point subtracted for the nails in the handle resulting in a final grade of MEARS A7.
Based on a complete review of this bat, MEARS is confident to attribute this bat as being made for Joe Jackson to use while barnstorming during the 1933-34 era.
(75C0188)
(75C0188)
LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS