This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/3/2016
From the years 1927-1930 Babe Ruth hit an amazing 209 homeruns. It is quite possible this very bat may have contributed to that very impressive total. Supplied by the Burke Batrite Company of Athens, GA, we know for an absolute fact that the New York Yankees used these types of bat. What else would you expect from a team that plays in Gotham? Court testimony and a photo matched bat document that Lou Gehrig was a supporter of the company. Other examples of Ruth Batrite bats have entered the hobby, along with teammate Tony Lazzeri.
Although not supported by factory records, the following facts support our opinion this bat was manufactured by Babe Ruth to be used during the 1927-1930 era.
Dating: Due to the presence of the Bat logo on the centerbrand and the lack of the the 1930 patent stamp, we date the bat to the 1927-1930 era. 1930 was a transition year where the patent stamp began to appear on the knob.
Model TA 126: the model “12” was not the Batrite catalog designation for Babe Ruth bats. He appeared in the catalogs as model 5. This model is unique and considered a professional model designation.
Length 36: Measuring 36”, this length is supported as being used by Ruth during the 1920s and is consistent with what you would expect to find for a Hanna Batrite bat used by Ruth.
Weight: Currently weighing a whopping 42 ounces, this is a weight desired and preferred by most advanced Ruth collectors and a weight which is supported by Ruth’s H&B factory records. “41”, denoting weight, is stamped on the knob. Store model bat were NOT stamped with player weights, and this serves as another contributing factor to the professional issuance of this bat.
Game Use: Bat exhibits heavy game use with wear above and below the barrel end. Heavy cleat marks are found below the barrel.
Final Grade (MEARS A7): After examining the wood, dating, model, length, and weight, and reviewing the research available on Hanna Batrite bats, MEARS is confident to evaluate this as a professional model bat that would have been available for use by Babe Ruth during the 1927-1930 era. Due to the heavy cleat marks below the barrel and slight discoloration on the handle, (minus 1 point combined); we grade this bat a MEARS A7.
(92T0691)
(MEARS LOA)