On 10-13-08, Ty Cobb signed an endorsement contract with Louisville Slugger. The contract called for his signature to appear on the barrel of Louisville Slugger bats. MEARS believes this was in reference to the facsimile signature that was incorporated into the design of the decal found on the barrel's end. For this timeframe, 1908-10, there are no known signature model examples known, of any professional league player. That statement included both major and minor leaguers. Additionally, documented examples of players using decal bats during the same relative time span have been discovered.
Length 33.5": H&B factory records document Ty Cobb using bat measuring 34" to 34.5". This bat is shorter than the available records, but there are huge gaps in the factory records, with none available from the 1908-10 timespan. Due to the weight of this bat, 40 ounces, we feel the length of this bat is acceptable to have been used by Cobb early in his career.
Weight 40 ounces: At its current weight of 40 ounces, this bat is consistent with H&B factory records for Ty Cobb bat orders. 1920s records document weights for Cobb at 36 to 40 ounces, and this bat falls within his later orders.
Model C28: This bat is referred to in the H&B records as the C28 Cobb model.
Decal: A decal was found on the barrel's end. It has been work from use, and no points were deducted as this model was intended for game use. As part of the decal design, a portion of the "Cobb" facsimile signature is still present.
Game Use: The bat exhibits heavy game use througout the barrel. 10 or more cleat marks are found on the barrel end.
Final Grade (MEARS A7.5): 5 points base grade for bat being consistent with Cobb manufacturing traits, 3 points for heavy use, minus 1/2 point for missing wood on reverse.