This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/29/2012
No one can dispute Roger Maris make it big while playing for the New York Yankees. But for this lot, his humble beginning is chronicled via one of the earliest bats used by Roger Maris.
Examination of the H&B shipping records reveals that on 5 occasions during 1956, Roger Maris ordered the 016 model bat measuring 35”. He also ordered a similar model throughout the 1950s. But, what makes this bat unique to 1956 is the tight grain found on this bat.
Specifically noted on Maris’s shipping records, after 1956 it is inscribed, “Wide Grain”. Examination of the professional grain on this specimen reveals a very tight grain pattern, thus placing this O16 model as a pre 1956 order. All future bats were shipped with wide grain.
This bat (O16) measuring 35” and weighing 32 ounces dates to Maris’s first professional season (1956) while playing for the Indianapolis Indians. The bat may have been carried over to 1957 for his rookie season with the Cleveland Indians, as it was a common practice, but we have not evidence to support that.
The bat exhibits heavy game use in the form of ball marks and deep stitch marks. The handle has been professionally repaired.
Final Grade (MEARS A8). Base grade 5 points, 3 points for heavy game use.