The staff of MEARS has had the honor to handle a wide array of historic game used bats. Our experience has allowed us to review bats that were side written, autographed and even used in historic events. Never before have we evaluated a bat that was associated with the invention of a bat that was intended to revolutionize the game. When you think of famous inventors, the names Benjamin Franklin, George Washington Carver, and Thomas Edison come to mind. For this lot, the inventor was none other than the famous baseball player, Ty Cobb.
Not only is this the very model bat invented by Ty Cobb, it is also the earliest dated Ty Cobb Louisville Slugger bat examined by MEARS or known to the hobby! With trend analysis, archived newspaper accounts, available H&B factory records, and the unique markings/features of this bat, MEARS is proud to present the follow facts regarding this 1913-14 Ty Cobb H&B Louisville Slugger 40K Professional Model Game Used Bat.
Dating 1913-14: According to the MEARS centerbrand dating, the manufacturing characteristics of this bat are consistent with the manufacturing stampings used during 1910-15. Based on the article posted in the Sporting Life on December 23rd, 1913, Cobb experimented with the cork grip during the 1913 season. The patent for the cork grip was awarded on September 15th, 1914, therefore the phrase patent pending would have been manufactured anytime before the September 15th date stamp.
Length 33 7/8” (ordered at 34”): An exact reference to Ty Cobb ordering 34" bats can be found in the book, "America's Bat". The reference is found via a photograph of the Ty Cobb bat diagram, which lists the bat at 34". Other examined Ty Cobb professional model bats examined by MEARS include:
(34”) 1922-25 Ty Cobb 40K #310644
(34”) 1922-25 Ty Cobb 125 #310249
(34”) 1922-25 Ty Cobb 125 #309434 (sw)
(34”) 1921-28 Ty Cobb 125 #303065
(34”) 1925 Ty Cobb 125 #301492 (sw)
Weight 37.1 ounces: According to the book, “A complete reference guide Louisville Slugger Professional Player bats by Vince Malta”, Cobb ordered bats weighing 36 to 42 ounces. This bat falls within the Louisville Slugger documented weights for Ty Cobb. Although not substantiated by factory record, it is my belief that the factory stamped unscored 9 on knob is a reference to the requested weight. Dave Bushing has examined similar bats from the relative time period with weights stamped on the knob. The practice of stamping the weights on the knob was documented for latter years as evidenced by the H&B personal record for Joe DiMaggio which reads, “4-19-40, Joe DiMaggio, Mark Weight on end”. This bat was examined by Bushing and the weight was found factory stamped on the knob. With the bat currently weighing 37.1 ounce, the bat is within the acceptable weight of 39 ounces if weight loss is taken into consideration.
Signature model: On October 13th, 1908, Ty Cobb signed an endorsement contract with Louisville Slugger to allow his facsimile signature to appear on game used bats. According to the MEARS bat census, this is only the second example to enter the market from the 1910-15 time span. With the early version of the Patent Pending stamp on the handle, this is the earliest Ty Cobb Signature model bat examined by MEARS.
Unique Kork Grip Patent Pending handle stamping: On the area to the left of the centerbrand directly above the Kork Gripping, is the phrase, “KORK GRIP, PAT. PENDING”. This is the first time this phrase has been seen by MEARS. At some point during 1914 (extending into 1915 and beyond), the handle marking was changed to “KORK GRIP PATENTED, SEP. 15, 1914”. This latter stamping what has been found on all other KORK GRIP bats examined by MEARS, thus making this specimen unique.
Kork Grip handle: A 12” area of cork has been applied from the knob extending towards the centerbrand.
Model C28: Bat is consistent as the model ordered and preferred by Cobb. The H&B factory records describe the bat as “His Model a.k.a. His Original Model – small barrel, large handle, half-round end (Model C28).
Knob: Very small, almost flared, as preferred by Ty Cobb.
Factory Stampings Ty Cobb: The factory barrel stampings are quite deep, and offer a very aesthetically pleasing contrast to the amber hue of the wood.
Game Use: Bat exhibits heavy game used from knob to barrel end.
Grade MEARS A8: Based on the archived article which serves as an alternative to the factory record and the consistent model, length, and weight preferred by Cobb, 5 base points were awarded for this bat. 3 points use grade. There were no negative traits associated with this bat.
Conclusion: Due to the consistencies of the model (C28), length (34”), Weight (37.1 ounces), and article supporting Ty Cobb inventing the Korp Grip bat, this bat is consistent with the characteristics needs to label the bat at 1913-14 Earliest Known Ty Cobb H&B Louisville Slugger 40K Professional Model Game Used Bat – Patent pending bat invented by Ty Cobb himself.