This is an unusual bat in several ways. First off, it has the block letter Adirondack center brand used during 1958-60. It is the first recorded such Willie Mays type in the MEARS data base. Second, it is 35 3/4" in length while his norm was 35". While we do not have the exact shipping records for Adirondack, it is documented that he did order some 36" H&B bats in 1969 as well as some 35.5" bats in 1954. Given this, it seems reasonable to have an example of a 1959-61 Adirondack measuring in at 35 3/4", given that the style of bat, an M63, as well as the weight of 33.8 oz are typical for Mays.
As for the bat itself, it shows really good game use with some deep ball lace marks on top of the barrel with swelling as well. The back of the barrel has also been pounded with use and there is some minor grain separation as well as one small 1/2" chip off back. The knob boasts his uniform number 24 in faded black marker. As usually found in foil stamped Adirondack bats, this model had some flaking to wit, someone filled in the missing flakes with black paint. It appears to be expertly done and I would estimate the total of in-painting at less than 25% of total foil stamps.
As for Mays himself, this bat dates to the seasons just prior to the Giants Championship season of 1962 but 1961 did hold a highlight event in Mays career. On April 30, he hit four home runs against the Milwaukee Braves in County Stadium. Mays went 4 for 5 at the plate and was on deck for a chance to hit a record fifth home run when the Giants' half of the ninth inning ended. Overall, a very nice example of a Mays gamer.
Block/Script Name: script
Label Period: 1960-61
Year/s Used: same
Teams Played During Era of Bat: Giants
Other Teams Played:
Majors: Mets
Minors:
Mfg. Adirondack
Model Number: M63
Length: 35 3/4"
Weight: 33.8
Side Writing: no
Vault Marks: no
Game Use: heavy
Ball Marks: Concentrated use on top and back of barrel with lace marks
Swelling: top of barrel
Grain Separation: On back of barrel with chip.
Cleat Marks: yes
Rack Marks: no
Nails/Screws: no
Cracked: no
Pine Tar: no
Handle Tape: no
Handle Crack: no
Barrel Crack: no
Dents/Gouges: Just a couple at very end of barrel
Autographed: no
Uniform Number: faded 24 in black
Knob Markings: model
Barrel Markings: no
Provenance: no
Factory Records: no
Player Traits: yes
Grade: A7.5 with 5 base points, 3 use points, 1 point #24 with minus 1 for in-painting and minus .5 for dead wood and chip.
MEARS Pop. Report: Only transition label model found
Comments: Nice heavily used example of early 60's Mays bat.00838