1917-21 Harry Hank Gowdy "1st Player to Enlist in WW 1" H&B Louisville Slugger Professional Model Game Used Bat - 1914 Boston Braves (MEARS A6.5) Handle specially wrapped in period wire!!!

When World War I broke out, Gowdy became the first major league player to sign up. He saw considerable action in France with the 166th Infantry Regiment of the Ohio National Guard, including some of the worst trench fighting in the war. When he returned in 1919, he got his old job as a catcher back, but not before going on a speaking tour of the United States, detailing his war experiences. Four years later, he was traded back to the Giants, where he played in the 1923 and 1924 World Series. His stint as catcher with the Braves included the now famous Miracle Braves of 1914. This is the only Gowdy bat ever examined from the era in which he enlisted and subsequently returned to the business of baseball. The only other Gowdy bat that MEARS has examined was a 1921-30 era gamer registered in the MEARS bat trade index. Additionally, the remnants of the paper return label are present, verifying the fact this bat was returned to the Louisville Slugger factory for future models to be replicated. Bat originated from the famed Louisville Slugger find. As to finish, the bat is a beautiful dark patina with deep factory stamps.

Title: 1917-21 Harry Hank Gowdy H&B Louisville Slugger Professional Model Game Used Bat- Direct from the Louisville Slugger find.

Player: Harry Hank Gowdy

Block/Script Name: Script

Label Period: 1917-21

Year/s Used: 1917-21

Mfg: H&B Louisville Slugger

Model Number: None

Length: 35"

Weight: 39.9 ounces

Side Writing: No

Vault Marks: No

Game Use: Heavy

Ball Marks: Heavy

Swelling: Yes

Grain Separation: Yes

Cleat Marks: Yes

Rack Marks: Yes

Nails/Screws: Yes, numerous in handle repair

Cracked: Yes

Pine Tar: No

Handle Tape: No

Handle Crack: 7" multiple cracks, carefully preserved with period wire

Barrel Crack: No

Dents/Gouges:

Autographed: No

Uniform Number: No

Knob Markings: RD hand carved into knob

Barrel Markings: No

Finish: Professional Finish

Provenance: No Provenance

Factory Records: No

Player Traits: No

Grade: Based grade 5 points, 3 points heavy use, minus 1 RD carved on knob, minus 1/2 for handle crack

MEARS Bat Trade Index: One of two graded Gowdy bats and this is the earliest of the two examples.

01080

MEARS Auction LOA. Collection of MEARS staff