This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/31/2015
Manufactured during the roaring 20’s, this bat was manufactured by Louisville Slugger for Babe Ruth to use during the height of the Bambino’s greatness while starring for the New York Yankees. During this stretch of time, Babe Ruth hit an amazing 508 of his career total of 714 homeruns. Measuring 35” and weighing 37 ounces, this bat is consistent with what Ruth ordered during the era. The MEARS evaluation recorded-
Dating (1921-31): Per the MEARS Bat Dating Centerbrand Index, this bat is consistent with what Hillerich & Bradsby manufactured during the 1921-31 label period.
Length 35": Measuring 35”, Babe Ruth’s bat records document him ordered bats measuring 35” during the 1928-31 era. Earlier orders are not available. This length is consistent with what Ruth ordered during this time span.
Weight 37 ounces: Currently weighing 37 ounces, this bat is consistent with Babe Ruth’s bat records 1926-31. Earlier ordering records are either unaccounted for or listed as N/S, not specified. This bat is consistent with the weight ordered by Babe Ruth during this timespan.
Model R34: This bat is consistent with the R34 model favored by Ruth during his career.
Game Use: Bat exhibits heavy game use. Ball marks are found on the left and right side of the barrel. Bat expert John Taube has also reviewed the bat (letter included) and remarked, “Bat shows outstanding use”.
Restoration: PSA/DNA letter accompanying this lot notes the restoration work which was completed. It should be noted that the restoration work was completed before being submitted to MEARS for auction.
Taube notes, “A restoration has been performed on the bat which includes a handle crack, two small chips on the knob and slight deadwood checking on the barrel.” Reviewed by the expert staff of MEARS, the restoration work was professionally executed with no easily discernible signs of the original issues. Job well done.
Barrel Stamping: This example exhibits a very light “125” centerbrand stamp. Both PSA/DNA and MEARS have reviewed the bat and based on the position of the label which exposes what appears to be the right edge of the “5” of 125 which is consistent with pro model labeling from the era. Review with the digital microscope of the area did not reveal any signs of tampering. The light centerbrand stamping appears to be original to the bat and must be considered a factory anomaly. John Taube of PSA/DNA has graded this bat a GU5.
Final Grade (MEARS A6): A base grade of 5 points was assigned for bat matching Babe Ruth’s factory records with respect to length, weight, and model. 3 points assigned for heavy use. Minus 2 points for light factory centerbrand stamping and small area of “Babe” on barrel facsimile signature.
This lot represents an opportunity to add Babe Ruth bat which dates to the prime of his career, matches length, weight and model specifications as requested by Ruth, and exhibits outstanding game use. (78F0502)
LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS