This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/30/2014
This bat dates from approximately 1930-32, Jim Bottomley’s final two seasons of a 11 year career in St. Louis. He accomplished many highlites in the city known as the Gateway to the West, including a National League MVP in 1928, two World Series appearances, and a 1926 World Series Championship. His career was capped with induction to the baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.
Manufactured by the Hanna Batrite Company, this bat boast the collector favorite, “Bat Logo” centerbrand. This centerbrand was first introduced during 1926 and phased out by 1932. After a lawsuit with Lousville Slugger, the company begin stamping the knob’s with the 1930 patent date, which is found on this bat ("Patented July 15 1930 1770403"¬), and serves as the basis of the 1930 start of the dating.
The centerbrand is stamped “TA” (tempered ash), BOTTOMLEY, 47 (model), 5 (length). These markings were found on both professional model bats and catalog versions, thus making absolute attribution to major league use impossible.
The 35” length and 34 ounce weight is consistent with the dimensions documented as being used by Bottomley when compared to his H&B Lousiville Slugger personal ordering records.
The bat exhibits heavy game use, with visible ball marks and scattered cleat marks.
Final Grade: MEARS A5. Base grade of 5 points was assigned for bat being consistent with length, weight and model as ordred by Bottomley, 3 points for heavy game use, minus 3 points for lack of factory records. LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS
(61O0201)
MEARS A5.
LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS