This is a 1929 Chuck Klein Louisville Slugger Professional Model Side Writen Game Used Bat. This bat dates to the 1929 season based on the Louisville Slugger side writing that reads "Chuck Klen 1-18-30". With it being returned to Louisville Slugger so early in the year, January 18, 1930, this bats use has been attributed to the previous season. This pre-model number bat currently weighs 38.3 ounces and measures 34.7 inches in length.
This bat exhibits heavy use with ball marks present on top, back, and bottom of the barrel. The front of the barrel exhibits light grain compression from use. A couple of light stains appear along the end of the barrel and in no way detract from the furniture finish of this bat which has some of the widest grain we have ever seen in a bat. Side writing is present along the top of the barrel, which reads "Chuck Klein 1-18-30" and has writing beneath it which is indecipherable.
Klein won the National League home run title in 1929, his first full year in the majors.In 1933, Klein won the Triple Crown. On July 6 of that year, he also became the first Philly ever to bat in an All-Star Game. If you are a Phillies, Cubs, Hall of Fame or Triple Crown collector, this is the finest example of a Klein bat that has ever surfaced. It would be impossible to ever improve on this example and if you are the type of collector that only wants the best, your wait is over.
This bat grades out at the MEARS A9.5 grade with five points for the base grade, three points for heavy use, two points for the side writing, and a half point deduction for the spotting/staining.
Collection of MEARS Staff.