The mere mention of "The Beast' struck fear into the hearts of American League pitchers during the 1920-30's. Considered one of the most productive hitters of his era, Foxx was a beast at the plate. His arms looked liked tree trunks. While he was still productive in Boston, it is his years with the old Philadelpha Athletics that most baseball historians refer to one talking about Foxx. Which brings us to the offered bat. It was returned to H&B and originated from the Louisville Slugger factory vaults. It is a known fact that many of the major bat companies turned bats and had them branded with private or other company logos. This bat shows all the earmarks of a bat made by the Hanna Batrite Co. of Athens Georgia. It is a known fact that many of the 1920's power hitters switched to Hanna bats as they considered their finish superior to the Louisville Slugger models of the era. This bat has been modeled to Foxx H&B specifications and is very similar to the known Hanna examples. We know of no store model bats made by this company. Hanna bats was based in Georgia and Passon was based in Philadelphia as were the Athletics of the time which included Jimmie Foxx. Since it is made to Foxx specs, Hanna made the highest quality bats and Passon is based in Phildelphia, it is possible that Foxx may have used a Passon bat if he knew the bat was a high quality Hanna bat and was available locally. There is no proof or evidence that Foxx used a Passon bat but it was sent back to Louisville and is of highest quality and makes for some great history.
Title: 1920-30's Jimmie Foxx Passon Professional Model Bat
Player: Jimmie Foxx
Block/Script Name: Block letter last name only
Label Period: 1920-30's
Year/s Used: 1920-30's
Teams Played During Era of Bat: Athletics
Mfg: Passon
Model Number: TA
Length: 34"
Weight: 36"
Side Writing: Yes, not readable
Vault Marks: No
Game Use: Heavy
Ball Marks:
Swelling: Heavy on top
Grain Separation: No
Cleat Marks: No
Rack Marks: No
Nails/Screws: Yes, numerous in handle crack
Cracked: Yes
Pine Tar: No
Handle Tape: No
Handle Crack: 4" multiple cracks
Barrel Crack: No
Dents/Gouges: No
Autographed: No
Uniform Number: No
Knob Markings: 34" stamped
Barrel Markings: No
Finish: Hickory
Provenance: No Provenance
Factory Records: N/A
Player Traits: N/A
Grade: Authentic
01081
MEARS Auction LOA. Collection of MEARS staff.