This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/30/2014
1976 marked the end of the careers for baseball royalty Hank Aaron and Frank Robinson. Aaron finished his career in Milwaukee, and Frank Robinson used this bat during his one of his last at bats at County Stadium.
When the season ended, Frank Robinson retired as one of the greatest hitters of all time, joining the then exclusive 500 HR club with 586 as a total.
For game used bat collectors, this Louisville Slugger is the essence of collectability with respects to some of the finer points of bat collecting. First, this bat boasts the very desirable “1776-1976” Bicentennial Centerbrand Label, only issued in 1976 to celebrate America’s 200th Birthday.
Secondly, the bat is archived in Frank Robinson’s personal H&B shipping records. Review of his records show that he ordered the R161 model on the following occasions:
5-7-76, 35”, 35 ounce, 12 ash bats, flame burned, mark weights on knob
6-29-76, 35”, 35 ounce, 12 ash bats, flame burned, mark weights on knob
He ordered another batch later in the season, but they were to be supplied at 34 ounce, and marked as such on the knob.
Model R161: Review of Frank Robinson personal bat records document that he ordered the R161 model during the 1976 season.
Length 35”: H&B records confirm Frank Robinson ordered (24) 35”, R161 bats during 1976.
Weight 34.5 ounces: Although currently weighing 34.5 ounces, this bat would have been shipped from the factory at 35 ounces, as evidenced by the weight notation on the knob. The 35 was written on the knob in vintage ink, and again, was a specific request by Frank Robinson and was recorded in his factory records.
Finish: Per Frank Robinson’s personal request, these bats were to be flame burned. The practice was to be noted in his records, which review documents the recording of his wishes. This bat is flame burned to his specifications.
Thirdly, the game use and player traits are visible on this example.
Game Use: This bat is evaluated as having heaving game use. Although the bat’s barrel does not appear to be “dirty” with use, close examination reveals heavy game use in the form of:
1.
A minimum of 8 ball mark clusters are found above the barrel.
2.
Two ball marks are found directly on the facsimile barrel signature
3.
Additional ball and stitch marks are found below the barrel stamping.
4.
A very thin coat of pine tar is found on the handle, but clumps of pine tar can be found higher on the barrel, most likely from the transfer from being touched with a batting glove.
Several of the ball marks are quite deep and have penetrated the flame tempered grain quite deeply.
Player Traits: As was customary on Frank Robinson game used bat, his uniform number was applied (20) in black marked.
Lastly, we knob the dates the bat was used at Milwaukee County Stadium while Frank Robinson’s Cleveland Indians were playing the Milwaukee Brewers. The bat originated from the collection of the Milwaukee Brewers visiting clubhouse attendant that personally obtained (2) bats as a gift from Robinson. Frank Robinson knew it was his last season in baseball, and as a gift of appreciation for several seasons of fine service, gave these bats to the clubhouse worker. The bats remained in the clubhouse workers collection until it was sold to a Milwaukee collector in 1995. He is the consignor of record of this bat. MEARS auctioned the other bat several years ago.
Knowing that it was used in Milwaukee at County Stadium, the only time he appeared at bat was during the 7-31-76 double header. He appeared in both games, going hitless. Both bats had heavy game use, and may have been used during the prior series or at home. We just know when the bats were retired.
Final Grade: MEARS A10. Base grade of 5 points for bat matching factory records, 3 points for heavy use, 2 points for player traits / provenance.
For collectors looking to add a very rare, unique, and player trait heavy bat to their collection, this bat affords the perfect opportunity. LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS
(61O0200)
MEARS A10.
LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS