This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/29/2012
On October 13th, 1908, Ty Cobb signed his first endorsement contract with Louisville Slugger. As our research has proven, this was the model bat sent directly from the factory for Ty Cobb to use. This time frame of 1908-10 was important to the career of Cobb as in 1908 he made his first World Series appearance in a loss to the Chicago Cubs. The following year, 1908, Cobb and the Tigers again went to the World Series only to be beaten by the Pirates. With no other signature model bat ever discovered (reason being is, signature model bat weren't readily used in the big leagues until 1918), this was the bat used by Cobb in 1908, 1909, and 1910.
Measuring in at 34 5/8" and 38 ounces this decal bat matches Ty Cobb's documented H&B shipping records and is a tremendous example of an early Georgia Peach gamer.
Dating: Made by J.F. Hillerich & Son, Louisville Slugger, Louisville, KY, with "Trademark" present below the center brand. This version of the center brand manufactured by Louisville Slugger was used from 1905-10. With Ty Cobb signing his endorsement contract with H&B on October 13, 1908, this creates the first possible starting date at 1908. Of further note, this is the earliest possible center brand variation for a Ty Cobb game used bat.
Model C28: Although not marked, the knob, taper of the handle and barrel are consistent with Cobb's C28 model.
Decal: Mostly warn away, there is enough detail left in profile, size, and shape to confirm this is the vertical variation of a Cobb decal, which is period correct for this bat.
Length 34 5/8": H&B shipping records confirm this was Cobb's length of choice for the 1908-10 time frame.
Weight 38 ounces: Currently weighing 38 ounces, the weight is consistent with factory documented Ty Cobb bats.
According to the book, "Ty Cobb-His Tumultuous Life and Times" by Richard Bak,...On October 13, 1908, Cobb became just the fourth major leaguer to have his decal pasted to the barrel of a Louisville Slugger. The terms of his contract, however, were different from those of his predecessors. Instead of accepting the standard $75 endorsement fee ("a chunk of real money," Cobb said) he exchanged the use of his name for a bin of specially constructed bats. This passage supports the fact players of the era used decal bats in major league games, especially those the caliber of Cobb.
"And try to find wood with small whirly knots in it," Cobb instructed. As he explained, this was "indicative of trees that have had a long, slow growth, producing the most resilient and stoutest timber." On the reverse of this bat, there are three such "whirly knots."
Finish: This bat features a flame burned finish which has been documented on other period professional model game bats.
Game Use: This can best be described as heavy and very consistent with to comparisons from previously examined Ty Cobb game used bats. There is a spiral tape job extending 11.5" from the knob, and use throughout the barrel. Cleat marks are consistently found on high grade examples of Cobb bats and are present on the barrel end of this bat along with two areas of deadwood. The handle remains uncracked and intact.
The knob of this bat appears to be marked with "Taft's" in script and initials "WE" lightly scratched by hand. The origins of these markings are unknown. There is no trace of inch marks on the knob. Also, bats in 1/2 inch increments were not available for retail sale. There are additionally no records for a player with the name "Taft" in the 1908-10 era. These markings may be the remnants of a former owner, but the origins will likely never be known.
Conclusion: Based on the written account by Cobb historian Richard Bak, examination of the bat's physical traits, examination of the game use and a comparison of the grain with "whirly knots" I am quite confident to deem this bast as a 1908-10 Ty Cobb J.F. Hillerich & Son Co. game used bat.
Bat receives 5 points for matching Cobb's personal H&B shipping records, 3 points for use and loses 1 point for the deadwood resulting in a final grade of MEARS A7.
(V0212)
LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS