MEARS Auction #104, Ends July 1st, 2017 at 10:00 PM CST W/30-Minute Rule In Effect

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Lot #10:

1921-31 Babe Ruth New York Yankees H&B Louisville Slugger Professional Model Whopping 37” Bat (MEARS A6) “Longest Ruth Bat Known!”

The practice of evaluating game used bats never ceases to create intrigue to this authenticator. For this lot, MEARS is unveiling the longest professional model Babe Ruth bat to have entered the hobby. Dating to the 1921-1931 era, this professional grade H&B Louisville Slugger bat measuring a whopping 37 inches!

The bat has been fully evaluated and graded, our findings:

Dating (1921-1931): Per the Official MEARS Centerbrand dating, we date this bat to the 1921-1931 era.

Length (37”)” Measuring 37”, this bat is a full inch longer than what is documented via H&B bat records for bat Ruth. Although not factory recorded, MEARS has documented that players have used longer than what is recorded in their personal bat records. The best example was illustrated in the article written by Dave Grob titled, “Ty Cobb and use of imagery analysis”.

http://mearsonline.com/2007/07/28/Ty-Cobb-Ba/

Using the technique of imagery analysis, Grob’s research revealed Cobb used a bat measuring 39”! This bat was not documented in Cobb’s personal records, but the research supported that he did.

Ruth bats from the 1920s are mainly listed by weight only, so the lack of records to support the length of this bat as being used by Ruth does not disqualify this bat as having been used by the Babe. Joe DiMaggio was documented to have used a 38” bat which was authenticated and graded but not supported by H&B bat records.

Weight (36.75 ounces): Weighing at 36.75 ounces. The bat is consistent with the 36-51 ounce batsdocumented as having been ordered by Ruth in the 1920s.

Model (125): With the 125 centerbrand and barrel stamping bearing the trademarked “George Babe Ruth” centerbrand, this bat is a pro stock model and was not available to the general public.

Game Use: Bat exhibits heavy game use. Deadwood on both the front and reverse of the barrel. Very small chip on the knob.

Final Grade (MEARS A6): Base grade of 5 points awarded for bat being a professional signature model with weight acceptable for Ruth during the era, 3 points for heavy game use, minus 1 for deadwood and discoloration of the barrel. (04F0225)

LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS