Offered is a very high-grade example of the 1916-20 Joe Jackson H&B Professional Model 125 YMCA game bat. Much has been discussed regarding the presence of the YMCA logo, which has been factory applied to the left of the centerbrand. To address the factory applied stamping, MEARS has added the following language to bats bearing this stamp:
“The YMCA, War Department, and Bat & Ball fund marks on the handle were factory added by H&B. Logo added in support for servicemen during WWI (1917-19). A Hall of Fame player YMCA professional signature model bat was family donated to Cooperstown, but its major league game use remains unverified. Factory records supporting the origin of this marking has not been discovered, therefore, the exact reason for addition of YMCA logo remains unknown. Photographic image shows YMCA logo on a sidecar of a train with shipment of Louisville Slugger bats being sent to servicemen. Whether or not the bats contained within the sidecar had the YMCA factory stampings of the bats sent to the U.S. servicemen remains unknown, but the logo on the sidecar read YMCA. What the photo established was that Louisville Slugger did support both the YMCA and the U.S. serviceman, but it is undocumented whether or not the bats were stamped with the YMCA logo.”
Bat Dating: 1916-20: According to the book, “A Complete Reference Guide Louisville Slugger Professional Player Bat by Vince Malta”, the centerbrand of this book is most consistent with the 1916-1922 time span. Joe Jackson was banned after the 1920 season, and starting circa 1921 when Jackson began the barnstorming circuit, his bats were sent to him with last name “Jackson” signature only. Joe was struck from the dye.
Weight & Length: The weight (41.5 ounces) & Length (36”) are both consistent with documented game used examples of Joe Jackson bats. If the YMCA logo was applied to professional game used bats, much like the Bicentennial bats from 1976; these specifications would be perfect for a Joe Jackson game used bat.
Finish: The bat has the flame burned Black Betsy finish.
Factory Stampings: The YMCA logo and the Joe Jackson facsimile signature are both deep and offer a dark contract to the ash, flame treated finish. The right outer edge of the centerbrand stamping was lightly applied, thus causing some missing portion of that area.
Use: The bat contains heavy game use. The wood shows heavy grain compression in the area of the barrel. There is no deadwood. The handle has a 14” area from the knob towards the centerbrand that has been heavily scored. 12 vintage batboy nails were applied to fix a handle crack.
Knob: The knob was originally hand turned, and now contains the vault marked number I94 (factory stamped), and 41 ½ and 42, which was applied by hand.
Side Writing: This bat originated from the Louisville Slugger find. The side writing contains the name, “James, ……….,” and the date, “1-3-22”. The exact meaning is unknown.
Final Grade: MEARS A5. Due to the presence of the YMCA stamping, per the MEARS grading criteria, this bat can grade no higher than an A5.
Collection of MEARS staff.