This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/27/2011
Finishing up his fabled, Hall of Fame calibre career, Ted Williams relied on this W183 model to set his final baseball records. During this 6 year stretch, Ted Williams appeared in 6 All Star Games, led the American League in batting, .388 (1957) & .328 (1958), and belted his 500th homerun on June 17th, 1960. The W183 was a favorite during this stage of his career.
Review of Ted William's personal H&B records show that from 1955-60, Williams ordered this model (W183), measuring 35" in length and weighing between 31-36 ounces. Currently weighing 32 ounces, this bat falls within the ordering pattern for William's final seasons. 28 orders (W183) are documented as being requested and shipped to Ted Williams during 1955-60. Only 4 orders were not of this model. This bat, with 100% certaintly, can be traced as being one of the final model bats ordered by Ted Williams.
Starting in 1955, Ted Williams was looking for a new model. Never one to settle, in May of 1955, Williams decided to splice the S180 handle with the W166 knob. The union created this W183 model.
Although exhbiting very light use, in the form of handling and possible ball and seam marks, this bat was intended to become the choice for the Splinter. Examination of the knob reveals the famous underscored 9 that is found on all high end Ted Williams game used bats. Placed there by Ted Williams himself, we can certaintly place this bat in his hands.
Although no written provenance accompanies this bat, the original owner retells the family story how this bat was gifted to his father by Ted Williams himself, taking directly from the Fenway bat rack. The reason for the reward is unknown, but the story does offer an explanation as to the bat's pristine condition.
With is deep factory stampings offset against the amber hue of the professional grain ash, I cannot imagine a more beautiful bat exists.
Final Grade MEARS A6: Base grade 5 points for bat matching factory records (W183, 1955-60), and one combined point for documented uniform number 9 on knob and lite signs of game use. LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS