This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2012
Dating 1921-28: Per the overview of the Louisville Center brand manufacturing, this bat dates to the 1921-28 era per the MEARS center brand data.
Dating to the decade of the roaring twenties, Ty Cobb was still a force on the baseball diamond. A quick lot at his statistics reveal that many hits and home runs may have been tallied with this very club. For example:
1921: 21 HR’s, 197 hits, .389 BA
1922: 16 HR’s, 211 hits, .401 BA
Batting Averages
1923: .340
1924: .338
1925: .378
1926: .339
Therefore this bat was available to have been used during his final seasons with the Detroit Tigers or may have carried over to his final 2 seasons with the Philadelphia Athletics.
C28 model: Although not marked on the bat, (this practice did not occur until many years later), this bat is cataloged by H&B as the C28 model. It is characterized by a Cobb preferred flared knob, slender handle, tapered barrel, with half-rounded end. This was the predominant model used by Cobb throughout his major league career.
Length 34”: The length of 34” is a factory-recorded length manufactured for Ty Cobb. While researching the H&B records, an undated bat card believed to have been used for pre 1920s major league bat production listed Ty Cobb as ordering 34” bats. Records indicate 34.5” was the staple order for Cobb, but 34” is a verified and acceptable length for Ty Cobb game used bats. In addition, this bat is consistent with respect to weight to MEARS #309434. This bat, also from 1922-25, measured at 34” and originated from the vaults of H&B. Therefore, the 34” length is supported by both factory records and a known authentic example. Additionally, MEARS sold a 1921-26 Ty Cobb bat which measured 34” in a past auction (MEARS A7.5). Therefore, the length of 34” was verified via available factory records, and two additional examples that have entered the hobby.
Weight (37 ounces): During the 1921-28 era, H&B factory records document Ty Cobb ordering bats weighing 37 ounces each season of 1921-28, (36 & 38 only in 1927). This bat falls within the documented weight range of bats ordered by Ty Cobb.
Wood: This bat is manufactured from high-grade, evenly proportioned tight grain ash. 25 tight layers of grain can be found starting at the “TRADE MARK” stamping and heading upwards to the grain on the reverse sweet spot.
Game Use: Examination of the high grade, tightly compacted ash reveals the following:
· In the 12” area directly above the Ty Cobb barrel stampings, the entire area shows signs of tightly compressed grain associated with heavy game use. This is consistent with the examination and comparison to previous examined Cobb bats. In the same area of dozens of marks that penetrate the surface and may be considered cleat marks.
· In an area directly below the center brand are areas of compressed grain. Several deep seam like marks are also present.
· Also in the area of the Ty Cobb barrel stampings are 9 circular marks which wrap around the diameter of the bat. There cause is not known, and this phenomenon is unlike any other traits we have examined before and may have been applied at a later date.
Final Grade (MEARS A7): Base grade of 5 points was assigned for bat being consistent with known Cobb factory records, 3 points for heavy use, minus 1 point for circular markings on barrel and very minor chip to barrel.
LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS