1925-26 George Babe Ruth H&B Louisville Slugger Professional Model Hickory Game Used Bat
The model, length, and weight specifications have been confirmed by the manufacturer’s ordering records as being ordered by Babe Ruth. Per the PSA and MEARS review of this bat, using a caliper to determine the bat’s model by taking incremental measurements from knob to barrel, the model (as personally requested by Ruth) was “For Lou Gehrig Use Bill Rogers, .5” longer, 41/43 ounces (R38), Ruth on September 21st, 1925.”
Bat measure 35.75”, weighs 41.5 ounces, made from hickory (rare), with a standard finish.
With respect to use, PSA and MEARS observed: bat is uncracked and exhibits evidence of outstanding use. Ball marks are visible on the left and back barrel. MEARS noted the heavy concentrations of ball marks predominately on the left hitting surface of the bat, a noted and documented Ruth trait. Green rack marks from the Yankees bat tray can be seen on the right and left barrel.
PSA and MEARS agree with respect to player characteristics, “This Babe Ruth professional model bat displays a notable Ruth characteristic, namely, a left barrel contact, caused by Ruth gripping the bat with the center brand turned down. Gripping the bat in this manner, the center brand turned down, results in a contact area on the left barrel above Ruth’s branded name. The bat exhibits outstanding use and possesses identifiable player use characteristics.
PSA assigned the bat a grade of PSA/DNA GU9.
MEARS evaluated the bat independent of PSA/DNA. Based on the factory records, length, weight, heavy use and documented Ruth player traits, MEARS assigned the bat the MEARS A10 grade.
A very rare example of a Ruth bat exhibiting a preponderance of documented game used bat traits placing this in the stratosphere of the finest examples.
Bat is dated to 1925-26 based on the center brand design and the model number documented as being ordered in 1925 with use consistent with multiple seasons which dates the bat through 1926 and possibly beyond.
Per the PSA Taube letter, ordered by Ruth on September 21st, 1925, “the unique feature of the bat is the small knob, not seen on other models ordered by Ruth. The Bill Rogers model was ordered by Yankee teammate Earl Combs who also preferred a smaller knob.”
Feats While Using This Bat After Ordering On September 21, 1925
After ordering this bat for the end of the 1925 season, Ruth played in 11 more games and hit 5 homeruns during that span.
9/24/25 Ruth hit #21 at Yankee Stadium vs the White Sox
9/27/25 Ruth hit #22 at Yankee Stadium vs the Detroit Tigers
9/28/25 Ruth hit #23 at Yankee Stadium vs the Detroit Tigers
9/28/25 Ruth hit #24 at Yankee Stadium vs Detroit Tigers
10/3/25 Ruth hit #25 at Yankee Stadium vs Philadelphia Athletics
Based on the heavy use, unique model number, and the fact Ruth wanted this specific bat sent to him on September 21st, 1925, there is a high probability this bat was used during this stretch for which he hit his final 5 homeruns of the season.
The outstanding use is also consistent with being used during the 1926 season. During 1926, Ruth played in 152 games, hit 47 home runs (1st in the A.L.), led the A.L. in slugging (.737), on base percentage (1.253), RBI’s (153) and total bases (365). The Yankees did win the 1926 American League pennant and appeared in the World Series vs the Cardinals. They did ultimately lose, but Ruth hit a career high 4 homeruns, his most for any World Series.
.PSA hologram 1B33485 affixed. (96V0292)
LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS
