This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/26/2009
Lot description per Troy R. Kinunen:
With the nickname of a barnyard fowl, Chick Fewster at first review may seem to have been an obscure player with the name of a baby rooster, but in actuality, he had a birdseye view to two very significant early feats which took place in the early stages of the Yankees rise to dominance. Acting more as an observer than contributor, Chick Fewster scratched out a place on the roster, thus earning himself the status of Yankee alumni of the first 1921 World Series Yankees team, and as a Boston Red Sox, was registered as the first batter at the New Yankee Stadium (April 18th, 1923).
Born Wilson Lloyd Fewster on November 10th, 1895 in Baltimore, MD, “Chick” began his professional career during the 1917 season with the New York Yankees. Over the next four seasons, Fewster was utilized as a shortstop, second baseman, and some outfield. His diligence paid off as he made the roster for the Yankees first World Series appearance of 1921. He made the most of it, tying the great Babe Ruth with one homerun each in the Yankees first World Series appearance. It was a rare power surge as Fewster’s highest single season homerun total was 2 during the 1928 season and a regular season career homerun total of 6, mere chickenfeed when compared to legends Ruth, Gehrig, and Bob Meusel.
The 1921 World Series Homerun was not enough to keep Fewster around, and he was traded to the Boston Red Sox during the 1922 season. This would not be the last of “Chick” and his association with New York Yankees history.
According to an excerpt by Harvey Frommer,
“On April 18, 1923, "The House That Ruth Built" opened for business.
The New York Yankees’ first home opponent was the Boston Red Sox. No one back then was bold enough to predict the fabulous and outstanding moments the future held in store for the brand new American League Park.
Built at a cost of $2.5 million, "The Yankee Stadium", as it was originally named, had a brick-lined vault with electronic equipment under second base, making it possible to have a boxing ring and press area on the infield.
A massive crowd showed up for the proudest moment in the history of the South Bronx. Many in the huge assemblage wore heavy sweaters, coats and hats. Some sported dinner jackets. The announced attendance was 74,217, later changed to 60,000. More than 25,000 were turned away. They would linger outside in the cold listening to the sounds of music and the roar of the crowd inside the stadium.
At 3:25 in the afternoon, Babe Ruth was presented with an oversized bat handsomely laid out in a glass case. At 3:30, Governor Smith threw out the first ball to Yankee catcher Wally Schang. At 3:35, home plate umpire Tommy Connolly bellowed: "Play ball!"
The Yankees took the field with Bob Shawkey, a 20-game winner in 1922, on the mound. The first batter was Red Sox shortstop Chick Fewster. Forever linked to the start of what would become the greatest dynasty of all time, Fewster did not reach base. A recreation by a member of the online forum www.NYYFans.com recreated the moment as follows:
“Chick Fewster steps up and digs in at the plate…
Shawkey looks in for the sign…winds up, and the pitch…
Fewster swings and it’s a line shot to Scotts left; he’s scoops it up and tosses to Pipp for the first out…”
Boston first baseman George Burns got the Stadium's first hit, a second-inning single, one of only three hits for the Red Sox in the game. The Red Sox had the early momentum, but Babe Ruth was the day’s hero.
According to the article by Frommer, “Babe Ruth said: "I'd give a year of my life if I can hit a home run in the first game in this new park". His wish and that of the tens of thousands in attendance came true. The Babe came to bat in the third inning. There were two Yankee base runners. Boston pitcher Howard Ehmke tried to fool Ruth with a slow pitch. The Sultan of Swat turned it into a fast pitch, hammering it on a line into the right-field bleachers. It was the first home run in Yankee Stadium history; Ruth got his wish.
The huge crowd was on its feet roaring as Ruth crossed the plate, removed his cap, extended it at arm's length in front of him, and waved to the ecstatic assemblage - witnesses to baseball history. The game played out into the lengthening afternoon shadows. "Sailor Bob" Shawkey, sporting a red sweatshirt under his jersey, pitched the Yankees to a 4-1 victory, making the first Opening Day at Yankee Stadium a matter of record.”
About the bat:
Offered for sale is a 1925-28 circa Chick Fewster H&B Louisville Slugger Game Used Professional Model bat.
1925-28 Centerbrand dating: According to the reference book, “A Complete Reference Guide to Louisville Slugger Professional Player Bats by Vince Malta”, this centerbrand is most consistent with example C-5A, page 17. Note the “MADE IN USA” is wider than the previous C-4 example. In addition, when examining the centerbrand’s 125, you will notice the H&B factory added a baseline under the 1, a practice consistent with the 1925-28 timespan.
Barrel Stamping: “Chick Fewster” appear in facsimile on the barrel end, meaning Fewster was under contract with Louisville Slugger.
Length 36”: The length of 36” is consistent with bats used by major league players during the era.
Weight 36 ounces: The weight of 36 ounces is consistent with bats by major league players during the era.
Knob: The bat has a very small knob, not quite flared.
Barrel end: ½ Round barrel end.
Game use: Bat exhibits heavy game use, with some deadwood on reverse barrel. Approximately 12 cleat marks, scattered on both sides of the barrel stampings, can be found. There is a small 4” handle crack that has been professionally repaired.
Wood Grain: Bat was manufactured from high quality northern white ash. The grain is very straight and compact.
Grade: Base Grade of 5 points for bat being consistent with major league player specifications, 3 points for heavy game use, minus ½ for deadwood and repaired handle crack. Final Grade: MEARS A7.5
Conclusion: Although dating to the end of Fewster’s career (1925-28), this bat is most likely the same model as used during the early part of Fewster’s career. Examination of the MEARS bat trade index, which tracks all bats evaluated by MEARS, this is the only Chick Fewster bat examined by MEARS. To the best of our collective knowledge, this is the only Chick Fewster bat known to the hobby. An interesting bat that connects the early history of the New York Yankees to an obscure player with a catchy nickname.