This is a 1918-21 Grover Alexander H&B Louisville Slugger Professional Model Game Used Bat. This bat dates to the 1918-21 period based on Louisville Slugger centerbrand period, 1917-21, the "go Nat" visible side writing, and the date on which this bat was returned and side written by Hillerich & Bradsby staff, March 14, 1922. This bat currently measures 33 inches in length and weighs 32 ounces.
This bat exhibits heavy use with grain separation evident on each side of the barrel. This bat has a non-separating 7" H-style handle crack present along the bottom of the handle. Lathe marks are present on each the knob and barrel end of this bat.
There is side writing on the bat that is barely visisble to the naked eye but using the JSA machine used to determine writing under various tytpes of light, it is evident that the "der" of Alexander, the date "3-14-22", the "go" of Chicago, and "Nat" of National is visible. Alexander played for the Chicago Cubs from 1918-26.
The bat is block letter last name only. The two other players listed as Alexander in the Louisville Slugger player factory records were Walt and Dale, neither of which played when this bat was returned to Louisville Slugger. In addition, neither Walt nor Dale played for a team in the National League that ended in "go", which is visible in the side writing.
The block letter factory stamp is deep, as is the center brand. In addition, the finish of this bat is very dark.
The visible side writing is the factory work of Henry Morrow, the man in charge of logging in returned bats as they were returned by the players to Louisville Slugger for duplication.
Given the era of this bat, the player's last name, the visible side writing, and taking into consideration any other Alexander's that played during this era leaves no doubt that this bat was used and returned to Louisville Slugger by Grover Cleveland Alexander.
Alexander is one of the greatest pitchers of all time. He played for three different teams during his career, the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, and the St. Louis Cardinals. Alexander saw the best years of his career during the late 1910's and the early 1920's when he collected four Pitching Triple Crowns. However, Alexander is best remembered for the 1926 World Series pitching in the twilight of his career for the St. Louis Cardinals. Alexander pitched complete game victories in both Game 2 and Game 6. He came into Game 7 in relief for Jesse Haines giving up no runs while facing down the likes of Tony Lazzeri. He was so great, that one of this countries greatest presidents, Ronald Reagan played him in a movie in the 1950's. It seems like pitchers were hot commodities for Hollywood as they did one on Dizzy Dean and Monty Stratton as well but nobody could play Grover Alexander like Reagan could. I know it's tough but we have one of the greatest line ups of Hall of Fame pitchers bats ever placed in one venue. If money is no object, in the words of Ferris Bueller's, if you have the means, I strongly suggest you pick one up.
This bat grades out at the MEARS A9.5 grade with give points for the base grade, three points for heavy use, two points for the side writing, and a half point deduction for the handle crack and slight chip out of the knob. This bat is also accompanied by PSA/DNA paperwork, which grades it out at the GU 10 grade. It can be found in the PSA/DNA database under certification number G55691.