This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/30/2012
In 1860, one of the earliest publications devoted to the promotion of the American version of baseball, Beadle’s Dime Baseball Player, noted that the best bat dimensions should be between thirty and forty inches and weighing about 48 ounces. Bats weighing less than 35 ounces were discouraged.
The design of the bat was again addressed in the Putman Club’s rules of 1885, where it was specified that the bat was to be made of ash or hickory and was to be about 36” in length, tapered, and was to be between 1 ½ inches to 3 inches at the lower end.
During 1885, the official National league rules stated the bat could be wrapped in twine and have a flattened hitting surface. Our opinion this style of bat was used before 1885 and is consistent with any of the written rules during the 1860-1885 time span.
Currently measuring 36” in length and weighing 35 ounces, the bat has the taper and small ball type knob photographically documented for the referenced period. Our measurements document this bat as having a 2” diameter. No maker is visible, and the bat remains in excellent overall condition.
(X0139)
LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS Auctions