What a piece of Federal League history as well as a war club that dates to the earliest part of this century with direct player provenance via the Louisville Slugger side writing, a bat that was made between 1905-10 but was returned by Harry while with the Terrapins of the Federal League in 1915 but given the girth of this club, it is easy to see why it lasted so long.
Player:Harry Swacina
Block/Script NameBlank barrel
Label Period:1905-10
Year/s Used:1905-15
Teams Played During Era of Bat: Harry played for the Pirates with Honus Wagner from 1907-08, the Newark Eagles from 1912-13, with the Baltimore Terrapins of the Federal League in both 1914-15 (the team from which this bats return originated)., the 1918 Nashville Vols and he even played for Joe Jackson's old team, the Greenville Spinners, in 1923, the last year of his professional career.
Other Teams Played:
Majors:
Minors:1918 Nashville Vols and he even played for Joe Jackson's old team, the Greenville Spinners, in 1923, the last year of his professional career.
Manufacture:J.F.Hillerich & Son
Model Number:Pre Model Number
Length:35"
Weight:44.4 oz.
Side Writing: Yes, Harry Swacina 2-12-15
Vault Marks:No
Shipping Label:No
Game Use:Heavy
Ball Marks:Heavy use on all sides including face. By the time this bat was returned, it had been in use for at least up to four-five years. If not being used, it had been made and sitting around for that time and given the use on this bat, I would bet on use.
Swelling:Yes
Grain Separation:4" on back of barrel currently lifted. Could be glued down as piece is still there.
Cleat Marks:None visible.
Rack Marks:No
Nails/Screws:No
Pine Tar:No
Handle Tape:No
Handle Crack:No
Barrel Crack:Yes, lifting piece on back.
Dents/Gouges:No
Wood:Ash
Autographed:No
Uniform Number:No
Knob Markings:Lathe mark
Barrel End Markings:No
Provenance:Louisville Vaults
Factory Records:Pre dates records.
Player Traits:Unknown
Grade: MEARS A9.5 with 5 base points, 3 use points, 2 points for side writing and minus one for lifting piece on back. Bat has the black residue from sitting for almost 100 years and surviving multiple fires, it is a wonder it is still here.
MEARS Bat Index Report: None listed. Will most likely never be another.
Comments: No other game used bat that was used and returned while the player was in the Federal League comes to mind at this time. Research of side written bats may produce one but it is one rare bird in either case.
Inventory Number:00074
Collection of MEARS staff: Yes