This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/30/2015
Offered for this lot is an extremely rare rookie bat from one of the game’s greatest homerun hitters. As a member of the prestigious 500 HR Club, collectors aggressively seek to complete this elite grouping. Per the MEARS official bat census, this is the only pre-60 example evaluated by MEARS. Per our research, this is only the 4th 1954-60 era Killebrew bat known. The PSA SMR (Sports Market Report) lists the value of this bat at $5,500 and notes, “pre-1960 Harmon Killebrew bats are very tough. With over 30 years of collecting game used bats, MEARS president Troy R. Kinunen agrees with that assessment.
Harmon Killebrew was born on June 29, 1936, in Payette, Idaho. Killebrew was 17 years old when he broke into the big leagues on June 23, 1954, with the Washington Senators. Killebrew dominated the American League during his 22 year career. When he retired, he belted 573 HR’s career homeruns, appeared in 13X All Star Games, 6X Homreun champion, 1969 AL MVP and capped his career by being elected in the Baseball Hall of Fame 1984. MEARS has conducted a complete evaluation of this bat, the results:
Dating (1955-58): Per the MEARS bat centerbrand guide, this bat was manufactured with the 1950-60 style centerbrand. Review of Kill brew’s personal bat records record the D2 model as being ordered during the 1955-58 era.
Model (D2): The D2 model was favored by Killebrew during the 1955-58 era. Order starting in 1959 were noted as “mark weights” in his personal bat records. A review with a digital microscope could not find any evidence of the weights marked. It is possible the pencil markings may have been obscured due to use.
Length 35”: A review of Killebrew’s personal bat records document his ordering the D2 model measuring 35” during the 1955-58 era.
Weight 30 ounces: Currently weighing 30 ounces, this bat is consistent with his bats which were ordered at 31-33 ounces during the referenced label period.
Game Use: Bat exhibits heavy game use. Seam marks can be found above and below the barrel end. Deadwood is found on the reverse of barrel, caused from repeated contact of bat to ball. Two period nails are found in the reverse deadwood area. Handle remains uncracked.
Autographed: The bat has been personally signed by Killebrew, “1955 Washington Senators, Harmon Killebrew, HOF 84, 4 HR’s, .200 BA”, all in reference to his rookie stats. For full disclosure, the bat may have been used by Killebrew at any point during the 1955-58 era. JSA Auction letter accompanies the autograph.
Final Grade (MEARS A7.5): A base grade of 5 points was assigned for bat matching Killebrew’s personal bat records. 3 points for heavy game use. Minus ½ point for deadwood with a light sliver of missing wood on reverse of barrel.
For the advanced collector searching for a rare rookie era bat which was personally signed by the “Killer”, this bat will meet all your criteria. (81I9993)
LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS
(JSA Auction Letter)