This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/5/2017
Roger Maris, 6’ tall weighing 197 pounds, was traded from the Kansas City Athletics at the end of the 1959 season to the New York Yankees. Maris made an immediate impact in New York as he led the Yankees to an American League Championship. With 39 HR ’s and 112 RBI’s, Maris won the 1960 American League MVP award. The following season, 1961, would be one of the most magical times in baseball as Maris eclipsed Babe Ruth’s 60 homerun single season record.
This bat is a very special part of baseball history as it was issued to be used by Roger Maris during his final season with the Athletics in 1959 and was also ordered 12 times during his historic 1960 MVP campaign.
According to the Official MEARS Bat Centerbrand Guide, this Louisville Slugger dates to the 1950-1960 era. After narrowing the dating, we examined Roger Maris’s personal H&B bat records and match this exact bat to the following orders found on his file card.
016, 36” in length, 34.5 ounces
1959 (016): 36”, 34 ounces, 12 ash bats
6-1-60 (016): 36”, 35 ounces, 6 ash bats
6-28-60 (016): 36”, 35 ounces, 6 ash bats
Therefore, this bat is one of 24 bats ordered exclusively by Roger Maris during the 1959-1960 timespan as supported by his H&B personal bat records.
Bat exhibits heavy game use with some signs of deadwood on the reverse of barrel. Remnants of ball and stitch marks scattered on barrel.
Final Grade (MEARS A6): Base grade of 5 points assigned for bat matching Roger Maris’s personal bat records. 3 points for heavy game use. Minus 2 points for professional restoration on barrel and handle.
(95W0509)