This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/4/2015
With America entering the Great War in Europe (WW1), on April 6th, 1917, support for the troops was at an all-time high. The “Young Men’s Christian Association” stepped up, donating all available resources to provide comfort the oversee troops. Stationary, postage stamps, and baseball gear was all gathered via fund raising events and shipped overseas.
Measuring 36” in length and currently weighing 31 ounces, this high grade ash bat with flame tempered black Betsy finish mirrors the specification ordered by Joe Jackson during the era. If the YMCA stamp wasn’t applied, you would have a Joe Jackson gamer.
Stamped on knob is I94, H1 ½, 42. The barrel below the center brands shows the once present signs of side writing which is no longer visible.
The bat exhibits heavy game use, with a 14” area of scoring on the handle. Also, in the same area of the handle ware multiple repair nails, added in an attempt to extend the life of this bat.
Finally, a very deep factory stamped “Joe Jackson” appears on the barrel end. With his banishment from baseball following the 1920 season, the name “Joe” was struck from all future bats produced by Louisville Slugger, making this a very rare gem from the time of Shoeless Joe Jackson’s playing days.
(73A0284)
LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS