In 1955, Kaline ended the season with a .340 batting average, becoming the youngest player ever to win the American League batting title. Also, in 1955, Kaline became the 13th man in major league history to hit two home runs in the same inning, became the youngest to hit three home runs in one game. Besides his career total 3007 hits, he won ten Gold Glove awards and played in fifteen All Star games. He was also the first Detroit Tiger to have his famous number 6 retired by the team. Given the accolades he received and his rare talent, he played his entire career in Detroit which afforded him only one World Series ring which he won in 1968 after beating St. Louis in seven games. One can only imagine the awards that would have been bestowed on him had he played in New York. Regardless, he is a member of the elusive 3000 hit club and this bat dates to some of his early glory days including that famous 1955 season.
Player:Albert Kaline
Block/Script Name:Script
Label Period:1950-60
Year/s Used:1955-57
Teams Played During Era of Bat:Detroit Tigers
Other Teams Played:None
Majors:
Minors:None, joined team right out of High School
Manufacture:H&B
Model Number:M110
Length:34.5"
Weight:30 oz.
Side Writing:None
Vault Marks:No
Shipping Label:No
Game Use:Heavy
Ball Marks:Pounded with ball and deep stitch marks on all three sides.
Swelling:Same
Grain Separation: None
Cleat Marks:Just a couple around mid barrel.
Rack Marks:Yes
Nails/Screws:No
Pine Tar:No
Handle Tape:No but handle is hand scored.
Handle Crack:Very minute area that looks like it was just starting. (no points taken since it does not even show a crack line)
Barrel Crack:No
Dents/Gouges:One
Wood:Ash
Autographed:Yes, vintage pen autograph. JSA letter.
Uniform Number:Vintage faded number 6 in green marker.
Knob Markings:M110 stamped on knob.
Barrel End Markings:No
Provenance:Comes from collection of team-mate Jim Small who played with Kaline from 1955-57, hence the dating to 1955-57.
Factory Records:Yes, matches. First order appears in 1955.
Player Traits:Vintage number 6 on knob and vintage autograph.
Grade:MEARS A10 with 5 base points, 3 use points and 2 points combined for vintage number, provenance and vintage autograph.
MEARS Bat Index Report: MEARS has graded a total of 9 Kaline bats. This is the only pre 1960 examined and of the 9 graded bats, aside from this example, the highest grade awarded was an A8.5 making this the earliest and highest graded Kaline bat that MEARS has examined.
Comments:The finest and earliest Kaline known to MEARS.
Inventory Number: 00277
Collection of MEARS Staff.