This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/4/2014
James Emory Foxx signed his endorsement contract with Louisville Slugger on June 11th, 1926. A favorite of manager Connie Mack, the young Foxx went on to help lead the 1929 Athletics to a World Championship, and Foxx went onto be become one of the most prodigious homerun hitters of all time.
Per the MEARS centerbrand dating, this bat dates broadly from the 1926-31 era. All of the centerbrand stampings are deeply applied, and all original.
As per the practice of the era, the handle remains unstamped, but the bat is consistent with the F9 model that Jimmy Foxx preferred during the era. This was determined by comparison to a F9 store model bat that was on hand at the MEARS research center.
On the barrel end, “Jimmy Foxx” is factory applied in a deep, consistent manner. “Trade Mark” is factory stamped below Foxx’s facsimile signature, another common practice of professional model bats from the 1920s.
This combination of centerbrand, barrel stamping, and lack of powerized logo to the right of the centerbrand, date this bat to 1931 or earlier, which is consistent with Jimmy Foxx’s rookie career and the 1929 World Championship season. There are no marking or specifications to rule this bat out from being used during the golden age of Foxx’s career.
Length 35”: Currently measures 35", this length is factory recorded (Foxx H&B bat records) as being used by Jimmy Foxx during the 1926-31 time span.
Weight 32 ounces: Currently weighing 32 ounces, Foxx’s personal bat records list his as being shipped at 34 to 42 ounces. With drying taking into consideration, this bat can be considered appropriate for the weight range of Jimmy Foxx bats during the 1926-31 era.
Game Use: Bat exhibits evidence of heavy game use. Numerous stich and seam marks can be found concentrated above the barrel stampings. Below the barrel stampings is the present of deadwood, the separation of the grain from repeated contact of bat to ball. There is an area of slight deadwood on the reverse of the bat, an approximate 8” area. Cleat marks are also scattered throughout the barrel of the bat.
Side Writing: The bat was at one time side written. Currently, no writing is readable. With respect to grading, one point was subtracted due to possible two player use/ unreadable side writing.
Restoration: Per our consignor, the knob of the bat was examined by bat expert John Taube and deemed to match the specifications of a professional model bat. Restoration was done on the knob which did not affect the authenticity with respect to professional issuance. It appears restoration was done on the handle to repair a crack. Bat handle is currently uncracked.
Final Grade: MEARS A7: 5 points were assigned for bat matching factory records with respect to model, length, and acceptable current weight. 3 points were assigned for heavy game use. Minus 1 point for unreadable side writing/possible two player use.
(62P0264)
LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS