This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/5/2015
For Mr. October fans, this bat originated from the pinnacle of his early career. As a member of the 1973 Oakland A’s, Reggie Jackson used this bat while having the best season of his career to that point. Leading his team to the American League Championship, Reggie hit 32 HR’s (league high), batted .295, scored 99 runs, 117 RBI’s, and played in 151 games. Fans elected him to his 4th All Star game.
To cap the season and win the 1973 World Series, Reggie Jackson (who had missed the previous Series due to an injury) showed why he would become Mr. October and scored the A's final run in the eighth for the 3-1 win (he also hit a homerun that game), tipping the 3-3 tie and giving the Oakland A’s their second straight championship.
His season’s heroics earned him the 1973 American League MVP award. MEARS has conducted a complete evaluation of this bat, the results:
Dating (1973): Per the MEARS bat label index, the Adirondack Centerbrand dates to the 1971-79 era. Reggie’s #9 appears on the knob, his number with the Oakland A’s. (Later #44 Yankees). Additionally, MEARS president personally interview Mr. Jackson about this bat. While personally inspecting the bat, the length, weight, number on knob, and formation of the 9, Reggie concluded it was his 1973 bat, and volunteered the personal inscription which followed his autograph.
Model 288RJ: Stamped on the knob is Reggie’s Jackson personal model number, 288RJ.
Length 34.5”: Bat measures 34.5”which is consistent with what Reggie Jackson ordered during the era.
Weight 37 ounces: Weighing 37 ounces, the weight is consistent with what Reggie Jackson ordered during the era.
Player Traits: The underscored 9 in black on the knob and is consistent with additional 9’s evaluated by MEARS found on Oakland A’s Reggie Jackson game used bats. The presence of batting circle weighted “doughnut” marks are consistent with Reggie Jackson game used bats and serve as personal traits which further support exclusive and extended game use by Jackson.
Game Use: Bat exhibits heavy game use. Ball marks and deeply embedded stitch marks are found on the barrel. A handle crack (6”) with some separation was the reason this bat was retired and entered souvenir status.
Autograph: Upon his personal inspection, Reggie Jackson penned in near mint black sharpie, “1973 MVP Game Bat, Reggie Jackson, Mr. October, 563 HR’s”. In addition, upon close inspection there is a period, circa 1973 blue ink signature on the bottom barrel. The formation of the autograph is consistent with 1970s vintage signatures. After cracking the bat, Reggie signed this bat before gifting it. The vintage autograph helps put the bat in Reggie’s hands during the era.
Final Grade MEARS A9.5: A base grade of 5 points was assigned for bat being consistent with known weight, length, and model for 1971-79 Reggie Jackson Adirondack bats. 3 points were assigned for bat having heavy/optimal game use. 2 points were added for vintage blue pen autograph and documented 9 on knob. Minus ½ point for flaking to the barrel.
With the presence of personal, documented player traits (painted 9, doughnut marks, deeply seated stitch marks), vintage autograph putting the bat in Reggie’s hands during the 1973 era, and a bat which is consistent with respect to length, weight, brand, and model used during the era, this bat is one of the finest surviving specimens from Reggie Jackson’s playing days with the Oakland A’s. A personal inspection by Reggie Jackson confirmed that this bat was used during his 1973 MVP season, and he blessed it with his near mint autograph and inscription. A truly museum quality piece. (76D0422)
(JSA Auction Letter)