This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/30/2012
Measuring 35” and weighing 40 ounce with the small Hornsby knob, this bat is very consistent with bats ordered and documented by the Louisville Slugger company. Although very little information has survived regarding this model bat, when the dimensions of this bat is compared to the surviving H&B records for Rogers Hornsby, you will note the similarities are quite strong.
It is our opinion that this is a professional model Rogers Hornsby bat produced by the Zinn Beck company.
Zinn Beck Playing Career History
Although Hillerich & Bradsby was the modern market leader, they could never match Zinn Beck in one aspect. Zinn Beck was the only modern bat manufacturer with major league experience. He followed in the footsteps of 19th century professional players turned sporting goods manufacturer A.G. Spalding and George Wright of Wright & Ditson.
Born in Steubenville, OH, on September 30th, 1885, Zinn Bertram Beck went on to literally make baseball history. Records show he batted right, throws right, and could really work a lathe tool although which hand he favored is not recorded. Records do show that he made his major league debut on September 14, 1913 with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Zinn Beck played 5 seasons with St. Louis (1913-16) and one with the New York Yankees (1918). During his 290 games, he batted .226 with 3 homeruns. During both the 1914 & 1915 seasons, Zinn Beck played with Hall of Famer Rogers Hornsby (1915-16).
A known and experience wood worker, Zinn Beck used his knowledge and experience from his major league baseball career to manufacture bats after his playing career ended.
Major League Players associated 100 Diamond Ace (circa 1924-30)
100 Diamond Ace Billy Rhiel played for Dodgers 1929, Braves 1930
100 Diamond Ace Frank Walker NY Giants 1925
100 Diamond Ace Collins: last name only. Eddie, Pat, Phil, Shano or Zip (most likely Eddie Collins)
100 Diamond Ace Cy Williams (side written Vic Ruedy 5-18-29, no major league experience)
100 Diamond Ace Harry Layne (side written G. N. Portman 9-24-30)
Other examples examined by MEARS
-Billy Rhiel played for Dodgers 1929, Braves 1930
-Bechtel (no major league experience)
-Frank Walker NY Giants 1925
-Collins: last name only. Eddie, Pat, Phil, Shano or Zip (most likely Eddie Collins)
-Type of bat used by Traynor
-Type of bat used by Hornsby
-Type of bat used by Sisler
-Type of bat used by Ruth
-Lou Gehrig Ace of the Diamond
-Type of bat used by Bottomley
-Type of bat used by Meusel (Bob or Irish)
-Type of bat used by Cuyler
-Type of bat used by Bob Meusel
-Type of bat used by Johnson (Walter per comparing to Louisville Slugger example)
-Cobb Model (block letter Cobb last name only)
-Type of bat used by Cy Williams (side written Vic Ruedy 5-18-29, no major league experience)
-Type of bat used by Joe Jackson (barnstorming model)
Therefore, MEARS is confident that Zinn Beck was a supplier of game used bats to the major leagues as evidenced by the examples that have entered the hobby.
Barrel end reads Rogers Hornsby Model. Zinn Beck had endured legal battles with Louisville Slugger, and adding a player’s name to the barrel was in direct violation to the trademark agreement. To circumvent, the phrase MODEL was added.
The bat exhibits heavy game use. There is one large section of deadwood on the reverse of the barrel. Handle remains uncracked.
Final Grade MEARS A7: Base grade of 5 points were awarded for the bat being consistent with length, weight and model for Hornsby during the period. 3 points were assigned for the bat exhibiting heavy use. Minus one for the heavy deadwood on reverse. LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS