Don Dyrsdale, like Warren Spahn, was one of the game’s best hitters, and his game used bats are extremely rare. This bat ties for one of only two known MEARS A10 Drysdale gamers. In a total of 14 seasons, he had 218 hits, including 29 home runs, and was occasionally used as a pinch-hitter. In fact, for the 1965 season, he was the Dodgers' only .300 hitter and tied his own National League record for pitchers with seven home runs. That year he won 23 games and helped the Dodgers to their third World Championship in Los Angeles. His achievements include the Cy Young in 1962, 3 World Series Championships, a 9 time All Star
For collectors of high end game used bats, this bat matches all of the criteria for the most discriminating of collectors. Rarity, perfect match to factory records (one order of 6), player’s number on knob, and provenance are included with this lot.
With a review of the MEARS bat trade index, (where we count all MEARS evaluated bats), we found that only two additional Don Drysdale bats have been evaluated. They were:
MEARS #304505 A8
MEARS #252229 A10
This is only the third Don Drysdale bat to enter the hobby. When reviewing Drysdale’s personal H&B factory records from the years 1965-68, the K55 model, measuring 36 ½” and weighing 31-34 ounces was ordered regularly by Drysdale during that period. What makes this bat special is that on 6-18-65, Drysdale’s H&B records show the following order:
6-18-65 K55, Mark Weights, 33 ½ ounces, A6 (six ash bats)
On the knob of this bat, in distinctive worn, period marker, is 33 ½, meaning weight. This is the only order during 1965-68 stating “mark weights” that was requested to be shipped at 33 ½ ounces.
Examination also reveals Drysdale’s uniform number 53 written on the knob in period black marker, a very unique and desirable trait for a Drysdale gamer.
Finally, the bat was obtained directly from the collection of a Chicago Cubs groundskeeper, 1965-68. Based on the examination of the bat and the accompanying LOA from the groundskeeper, this information regarding the provenance of this bat is both reasonable and verifiable.
Game Use: Bat exhibits heavy, optimal game use. With pitchers bats typically entering the hobby with light use, this bat supersedes most expectations. In a 14” area of the handle, light pinetar and rack marks can be found. This is also the area of the handle crack, which has been professionally repaired. The ghost image of a batting doughnut is also visible. In the area of the barrel, both above and below the facsimile Drysdale signature, are signs of heavy game use. The use is illustrated by heavy clusters of ball marks, both above and below the barrel. Deep stitch marks are found, along with clusters of ball marks. The reverse of the barrel contains 4 layers of light deadwood, a positive trait associated with heavy game action.
Grading: 5 points were awarded for a base grade with the bat matching factory records, 3 points were assigned for optimal game use, 2 points for player number on knob and provenance. The handle has been professionally repaired with no points subtracted. LOA Troy R. Kinunen/MEARS, LOA Consignor (1965-68 Groundskeeper)