This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/4/2017
Babe Ruth was born on February 6, 1895, in Baltimore, Maryland. Over the course of his career, Ruth went on to break baseball's most important slugging records, including most years leading a league in home runs, most total bases in a season, and highest slugging percentage for a season. In all, Ruth hit 714 home runs—a mark that stood until 1974.
Within the world of sports memorabilia collector, Babe Ruth is still the KING. Anything signed worn, used, or featuring Babe Ruth remains in high demand. Collectors of bats actively seek to add an example to their game used collection.
For this lot, we are offering 1921-31 Babe Ruth H&B Louisville Slugger professional signature model bat which has been professionally authenticated and graded by MEARS as an A6.
Measuring 34” in length, the bat is one inch shorter than other examples which have entered the hobby which are supported via provenance and/or factory side writing. The shortest bat recorded to have been used by Ruth during the period was listed at 35”, but in an interview, Ruth himself stated he on occasion ordered bats shorter than 35”. The exact length was not recorded, but scholars take this to mean either 34” or 34 ½”.
Currently weighing 39 ounces, the bat is consistent with Babe Ruth’s personal bat records for requested weight during the 1921-1931 timespan. The 39 ounce weight is on the heavier side of the spectrum of bats ordered by Ruth and the heavier size is much desired among collectors.
Final Grade: A base grade of 5 points was assigned for bat being consistent with known model and weight for Ruth during the era. 3 points added for heavy use. Minus 2 for “H” carved on barrel, 5” handle crack & discoloration, and deadwood on reverse of barrel.
(03E0396)
(MEARS LOA)