William Henry Keeler, a.k.a. Wee Willie, stood only 5'4" tall and weighed 140 pounds with a sweat soaked flannel uniform. His hard work earned him a place in the baseball Hall of Fame, and the perennial winner of the trivia question, "what major league baseball player used the shortest bat?" Besides being the shortest bat in the hobby, pound for pound, the 30.5" Keeler bat is also the hobby's most valuable. During December of 2009, an authenticated Wee Willie Keeler Spalding bat, (PSA/DNA GU8), sold for the not so little price of $72,957.
As a member of the 1903 inaugural season New York Highlanders, Keeler also holds the honor of scoring the first run ever as a New York Yankee.
Dating 1908-10: Based on the design of the centerbrand, SPALDING, GOLD MEDAL, WM H. Keeler (signature), AUTOGRAPH, the bat dates to the 1908-10 era. Both Keeler and Ty Cobb signed contracts with Spalding to provide signature models during the 1908 season, (ref. 1908 Spalding Dealer Catalog). During this bats label period, Keeler played in 190 games for the Yankees in 1908-09, and 19 games for the 1910 Reds.
Length 30.5”: Just making the major league bare minimum length requirement of 30”, this bat is documented as the shortest bat used in major league history. The length is also verified via surviving H&B documents. In the H&B files, his display bat was listed at 30.5”, and the notes for his diagramed bat list his entry as, “His Old Willie Keeler, 30.5”, squared slightly rounded end”. This bat perfectly matches two-H&B records for Keeler’s recorded length. Regarding the actual length of this bat, 30.5”, it should be noted that in the 1908 Spalding dealer catalog, Keeler bats were offered in lengths of 32” to 35”, with no mention of ½” lengths being offered, thus supporting via manufacturing production methods the bats professional issuance.
Weight 36.4 ounces: At 36.4 ounces, this bat is within the accepted weight as allowed by Major League baseball rules.
Model K35: Referred to as the K35 model, this bat is consistent with period photos with respect to shape (image included). The accompanying period images (2) depicts Keeler using a similar model bat. Image provides examination of the relative short length of the bat, rounded barrel end, taper of barrel to handle, actual handle shape, and the thickness of the handle as it meets the small knob.
Hand Turned Knob: As an endorsee with Spalding, both Keeler and Ty Cobb bats were offered as store models. MEARS has examined store model retail bats of both players, and all samples were found with the Spalding factory stamp. Dave Bushing has estimated that he has handled nearly 50+ Keeler and Cobb store model Gold Medal Spalding bats, and all were found with the Spalding manufacturers stamp on the knob. Examination of this bat reveals lathe marks, caused by the hand rasping of the knob and barrel end. Rasping occurred with the intention of the lathe hand reaching the player’s requested weight.
Use: Bat is measured as having light, but distinct game use. Over one dozen surface ball marks are found on the top and bottom of the barrel. Light but distinct surface stitch marks are also visible upon close examination. Light gripping related soiling can be found on the area of the knob and handle. Handle tape appears to have been removed and has left faint signs of its presence. The grain of the ash is tight and very straight, a phenomenal piece of lumber. The high quality of the seasoned ash may attribute to the factor of the light signs of visible game use.
Grade: MEARS A6. The full amounts of 5 base points were awarded for the bat meeting professional specification with respects to model, length, and weight. 1 point was awarded for light, but distinct game use.
Professional authentication & grading Letter of Opinion provided by MEARS/Troy R. Kinunen