This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2014
By 1966, Ernie Banks had officially become “Mr. Cub”, and the Windy City fans loved their beloved star. After a decade plus of toil under the ivy, Ernie Banks began to wind down his Hall of Fame Career. But, on any given day, he could still hit like an eighteen year old rookie. On season highlight occurred on June 11th, 1966, when Ernie Banks ties a modern ML record with 3 triples‚ as Chicago wins 8-2 in the Astrodome. His trusty S2 could still deliver a wallop.
For this lot, MEARS is offering is a game used Ernie Banks professional model H&B Louisville Slugger dating to the Hall of Fame slugger's 1966 campaign with the Chicago Cubs.
Bat features a facsimile signature barrel while model S2 is stamped on the knob. The length (35”) and weight (31 ounces) are recorded in his personal H&B shipping records as being sent to him during the 1966 season.
There are at a minimum of 6 distinct ball marks found on the barrel, along with rack marks. The handle remains uncracked.
Our consignors father was gifted this bat personally from Ernie Banks. To commemorate the occasion, Ernie signed the gift as, “Good Luck Chi Cubs 1966". The autograph appears in vintage, period black marker and was signed on the day of the gifting. JSA has verified the signature as authentic. This bat has been in our consignor’s personal collection since 1966 and this is the first time rare item has been offered publicly. (68V0119)
(68V0119)
LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS
(JSA Auction Letter)