This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2011
This signature model H143 34.5”- 32.7 oz gamer was issued to one of the finest shortstops of the era, a National League All Star for seven consecutive seasons. With him as their shortstop, the Cards won four pennants , three World Championships and never placed lower than second from 1941 thru 1949. He was voted the NL MVP in 1944. The bat itself shows heavy game use with ball marks on all sides of the bat, perfect markings, and a handle crack that has some vintage tape applied. Marion wore number 4 with St. Louis (Cards and Browns) from 1940-53 but this bat has a vintage number 18 in black marker on the knob which was the number worn by Del Rice from 1946-55 with the Cardinals. Hence, this is a game bat issued to Cards superstar Marion for the 1948-49 seasons and used by either Rice and/or Marion during this time. Rice was a star catcher for the Cards during this same era. If you are looking for an interesting Cardinals bat used by two of it’s biggest stars of the era, this is a stand up example.
Grade: A8
Collection of MEARS staff.
(MEARS Auction LOA)