MEARS Auction #44, Ends December 1st, 2012, 9:00 CST

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Lot #5:

1914-16 Tris Speaker Boston Red Sox JF Hillerich & Sons Co. 40K Professional Model Game Used Bat (MEARS Authentic)

Patented in 1914, the Kork Grip bat was immediately introduced to the major leagues and enjoyed limited success and adaptation. Designed by Ty Cobb, the cork substance on the handle was designed to improve grip. Contemporaries Ty Cobb, Joe Jackson, and Honus Wagner had professional model Kork Gripped bats supplied to them. The trend continued into the 1920s with even Babe Ruth experimenting with the new model.

This example measures 34” and weighs a whopping 42 ounces. Although the lengths are not recorded for Speaker during this era, the 40+ weights were captured in his 1920s personal records and he routinely ordered a heavier (40+) ounce bat.

Bat exhibits heavy game use, with deadwood to the reverse of barrel and light drying to the barrel end. 25% of the cork is missing from the handle, and there is a chip to the knob. LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS (Z0316)

LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS