This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/1/2016
On July 8th, 1973, Hank Aaron and the Atlanta Braves traveled to Shea Stadium to play the New York Mets. In the 4th inning, Aaron blasted career homerun #695 off Mets pitcher George Stone leaving h him just 5 homeruns away from the magical 700 milestone. At the time of the homerun, Aaron was only the second player ever to have a shot at 700, a feat only completed by the immortal Babe Ruth.
This A99 model bat, measuring 35” in length and weighing 31 ounces is consistent with Aaron’s H&B factory records for bats ordered by the Hammer for the 1973 season, thus supporting this bat would have been available for Aaron to use on the date of the feat. The bat shows medium but event appropriate game use with light pine tar on the handle, rack marks, and scattered ball marks. The weight, 34 1/2, is written on the knob in pencil. This reflects the weight when the bat left the factory. This weight is not recorded in Aaron's personal bat records, but we do not feel this disqualifies the bat from authentication and grading. The handle is uncracked.
Provenance: The homerun attribution was solely provided by the inscription provided by Hank Aaron and MEARS was without the means to independently verify the homerun. MEARS was able to confirm the model of bat was available for Hank Aaron to have used on July 8th, 1973, the day of the homerun. The #44 on both the knob and barrel end is consistent with Hank Aaron game used bats from the era. Bat has pine tar which was a known trait of Hank Aaron during the time frame. The bat shows definite signs of game use which may have been a result of the homerun hit.
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter will confirm that you are indeed in possession of the baseball bat used by me to him my 695th career homerun in 1973. The bat is a Hillerich and Bradsby Louisville Slugger Model A99 with my #44 written in black marker on the knob and barrel end of the bat. There is also pine tar on the handle and barrel end of the bat. I have autographed the bat in blue marker, Hank Aaron 695.
I hope you will get much enjoyment out of this bat. I am sure that it will add to your collection.
Sincerely,
Hank Aaron
The experts of both PSA/DNA & JSA have verified both the autograph and inscription and provided a full letters of authenticity.
Final Grade (MEARS A9): Base grade of 5 points assigned for bat matching factory records, 2 points for use, 2 points for provenance.
Considered by many to be the real homerun king, this lot affords one advanced collector the chance to add an actual game used bat with provenance directly from Hank Aaron attributing it to HR #695.
(89R0523)
(MEARS LOA; JSA Auction Letter)