Title: 1963-64 John Boccabella H&B Louisville Slugger Professional Model Game Used Bat
Player: John Boccabella
Block/Script Name: Block Letter last name
Label Period: 1960-64
Year/s Used: 1963-64
Teams Played During Era of Bat: Chicago Cubs
Mfg: H&B Louisville Slugger
Model Number: R43
Length: 34"
Weight: 31.6 ounces
Side Writing: No
Vault Marks: No
Game Use: Heavy
Ball Marks: Pounded on top and back
Swelling: Top
Grain Separation: Light separation on back
Cleat Marks: No
Rack Marks: Yes
Nails/Screws: No
Cracked: Yes
Pine Tar: No
Handle Tape: No
Handle Crack: 6" crack
Barrel Crack: No
Dents/Gouges: No
Autographed: No
Uniform Number: ?
Knob Markings: Several notations in faded black
Barrel Markings: No
Finish: Ash
Provenance: No Provenance
Factory Records: Unknown
Player Traits: Unknown
Grade: Authentic
MEARS Bat Trade Index: No bats listed.
Comments: John wore number 22 with the Cubs in both 1963-64. It is hard to tell what is written on knob in marker. He achieved some additional popularity just because of his name. When he first came up to the Cubs from their farm team in Pocatello, Idaho the San Francisco native was nonetheless dubbed "Boccabella from 'Pocatella'" by the Cubs radio announcers. When his career blossomed as a "super-sub" (frequent substitute) on the expansion Expos, public address announcer Claude Mouton would call attention to his name, at each at-bat, by enunciating each syllable with a florid style: "John... Boc-ca-BEL-la". If you collect first year Montreal bats, this has got to be a tough one to find.
01075
MEARS Auction LOA. Collection of MEARS staff.