This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/3/2013
New information was provided to us causing us to amend our original description. This bat was obtained by the consignor on the road at Forbes Field during the 1967-68 era. It was purchased directly from the team's batboy.
The bat itself is a 35”, 32 ounce Adirondack model 63A. Aaron used Adirondack bats as early as 1954, after being introduced to the brand by Del Crandall. Aaron felt that at times Louisville Slugger did not provide him with the same quality wood as his teammates, so he requested that Crandall order Adirondack model bats for him. This particular model was a favorite of Hank Aaron, because on 7-20-61, he sent one of these models back to the Louisville Slugger factory as a template for a new Louisville Slugger model, the A99, which he favored for the remainder of his career.
The bat has heavy game use. Dozens of ball marks are found scattered above the barrel. Deep stitch marks can been seen mixed in with the ball marks. Below the barrel are more distinct ball and deep stitch marks. Deep stitch marks are associated with the swing of a power hitter. Several light cleat marks are also found on the barrel end. In the area between the Whip Action and Aaron name are two distinct bat rack marks, one red and one blue in color. This indicates the bat was housed in two different racks, and made at least one road trip with Hank.
Most likely due to an inside fastball, the handle split with a 6” crack with grain separation (no missing pieces). As a personal touch, Hank Aaron’s uniform number “44” appears on the knob with the open 4’s, which is consistent with many high grade bats examined by MEARS.
Very desirable, this bat has been boldly signed in blue sharpie marker, “Best Wishes, Hank Aaron, 755”.
The bat has been professional graded by our staff as a MEARS A8.5. A base grade of 5 points was assigned for bat matching factory records, 3 points assigned for heavy game use, 2 points for documented player uniform number and player game use traits, minus 1 point for handle crack, minus ½ point for flake to the AARON barrel stamp. LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS Auctions
(C0728)
LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS
(JSA Auction Letter)