This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/26/2010
Records show this bat as having been sent to Red, a 35.5"-34 oz K55 signature model, from 3-16-64 through 4-1-64 for a total of 9 bats. According to Dave Grob's research, he states that "Total Baseball list's Schoendienst as a coach from 1961-1964. This is also how he is featured in the 1964 Cardinal yearbook. In his bio from the 1964 year book it states "Red became a coach in July, 1961 when Johnny Keane succeeded Solly Hemus as manager...." His 6 plate appearances in 1963 were all as a pinch hitter as he has no record of playing the field that year."
He must have done a load of hitting instruction with this bat given the heavy use as there are ball marks and deep stitch marks on every hitting surface and the bat is loaded with Cardinals Red rack marks. Also apparent is that Red's pupils were paying attention as they went on to beat the New York Yankees in a thrilling seven game series. The bat is autographed in bold black marker on the sweet spot. The knob has some no longer readable marks. The bat, as a coaches model, grades a MEARS A8. If you are putting together a 1964 Cardinals Championship team collection, Red's coaches bat from that season would definitely fit in. Collection of MEARS staff.