This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/5/2019
Hack Wilson was a helluva ball player. Described at www.deadballera.com, “He was all muscle, a barrel-chested powerhouse with blacksmith arms, and bulging thighs and calves on short legs that tapered to tiny feet. He had an 18" collar and size #6 shoes. Hack Wilson was a physical oddity in baseball and a physical phenomenon. Sporting 195 pounds on a 5'6" frame he was the prototype for a slugger in the new age of the lively ball.....a man who swung first and asked questions later!”
The following was noted in a similar example sold by MEARS Auctions during 2012. “Just as he had an atypical physique, Hack Wilson also swung an odd shaped bat. The Hack Wilson Louisville Slugger model bat was certainly unique. Wilson’s club of choice is best described as having an ultra-thin handle with a very small, yet defined knob. Although contemporary super star Roger Hornsby designed a bat with a very small knob, this example should not be confused with his flared variation. This model is unique to Hack Wilson. H&B designated his bat as the W64 model. “
Measuring 35.5”, this bat is ½” longer than the previous example sold by our firm and is important to the authentication of this bat. In his personal records, it is noted that, “his 1/30/26 to be ordered ½” longer”. This specifically dates the bat to the 1926 season. Currently weighing 34 ounces, this bat is consistent with Hack Wilson’s personal H&B shipping records. His records list his bats to be ordered at weights of 36-38 ounces during the era, and taking weight loss into effect, the bat is consistent with that span.
The customization of Wilson’s bat is documented via his factory records. On his 1/30/26 personal bat card reference, it is notated, “His 1/30/26 shave a little near knob”, which are instructions to create the thin Wilson handle.
With the bat being consistent with his order from 1926, the following on field achievements should be noted:
1926
Hack Wilson joined the Chicago Cubs during the 1926 season. It was his best season to date, highlighted by the game on May 24th, 1926 when Hack hit a drive to centerfield which smashed off the scoreboard. Up to that point, it was the longest shot ever hit at Wrigley Field, and the Cubs came from behind to win the game. While celebrating after the game, Wilson was caught at one of Al Capone’s speakeasy joints trying to sneak out the back window during a police raid. When the season was over, Wilson led the league with 21 homeruns.
Bat exhibits heavy game use with ball marks and grain swelling. Handle remains uncracked. Bat compares quite favorably with respect to use traits as the example that sold in the 2016 Sotheby's sale, https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/hack-wilson-professional-model-bat-6021559-details.aspx .
Final Grade (MEARS A9). A base grade of 5 points was assigned for bat matching Hack Wilson’s personal bat records. 3 points were assigned for bat having heavy game use. 1 points were assigned for desired attributes including pinpointed factory record and unique knob. Bat was also examined by John Taube of PSA/DNA and he concurred by awarding the bat a PSA GU9.
The market for Hack Wilson bats remain strong, with examples rarely entering the hobby. Past sales results include:
(9/1/12), MEARS A9, $11,576
(2017), PSA/DNA GU7, $8,400
(2018), PSA/DNA GU9, $13,200
(2016), PSA/DNA GU9, $32,500 - Sotheby's
MEARS A9. (25A0115)