This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/27/2011
This is an unusual bat in that it was issued to Ty Lober of the Milwaukee Brewers of the American Association but was used and returned by Hall of Fame Manager Wm McKechnie and is side written; "39 oz. Wm McKechnie 8-16-24 Minneapolis BBC" Bill was the manager for the Pirates from 1922-26 so it remains unclear why he used and sent back a bat from Minn. But there is no other Bill McKechnie in either the minor or major leagues. The bat shows heavy use with perfect stamps and side writing and a handle crack with 2 vintage nails.
A utility infielder McKechnie got his first taste of managerial duties in 1915 when he managed 102 games for the Newark Pepper, leading the team to a 54-45 record. Shortly after retiring as a player in 1920, McKechnie returned to manage full-time, assuming the helm of the Pirates in 1922.
The only bat of his that we have ever heard of. LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS.