For the purpose of evaluation, MEARS inspected this 1936 Louisville Slugger professional model game used bat. John Heving had the honor of a 22 year major league career for which he played in several leagues including the Southern Association, American League, International League, Texas League, North Carolina State League, and the Georgia Alabama League. Based on the return date of the factory side writing, 1936, this bat was used and returned by Heving during the 1936 season while he was with the Syracuse team of the International League. Currently this is the only example known.
Bat dates to 1936 based on the presence of sidewriting (6-10-36) and the design of the centerbrand, "TRADE MARK REG.". The phrase U.S. Pat. Off. was dropped during 1936, thus making this a one-year style bat.
The bat measures 35" and currently weighs 34.4 ounces. This label pre-dates the use of model numbers added to the bat. Bat has a small knob, tapered handle, round barrel, and is manufactured from professional grade second growth northern white ash. There are two small chips missing from each side of the knob. The handle remains uncracked and there are no signs of tape or pinetar. The reverse barrel contains one large section of deadwood, which has begun to separate. 4 period batboy nails hold the deadwood in place. This was a practice commonly associated with player from the era and this repair may have been conducted under the direct supervision of Heving. The remainder of the bat consists of heavy game use. Above the barrel 6 distinct sets of stitch and seam marks can be seen. In the same area are numerous signs of compressed areas of wood grain, indicative of heavy game use. In the area below the barrel stampings is a cluster of approximately 4 sets of deep seam marks. The area surrounding the stitch marks also consists of areas of grain compression. There are 8 pinhead "worm like holes" that are found in the bats grain. They are very small and look like mounting holes, but most likely aren’t due to there locations. In period grease pencil is "John Heving, 6-10-36). The factory stampings of the centerbrand, Powerized Logo, and player facsimile barrel signature are all deep and free of blemishes.
LOA/MEARS/Troy R. Kinunen. Bat was awarded the base grade of 5 points for bat being consistent with factory records, 3 points for heavy game wear, 2 points for presence of side writing, minus ½ point for holes/reverse deadwood. Final Grade: MEARS A9.5 Estimate $400
Lot consigned by MEARS employee