This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/26/2010
Offered is a signature model 32" - 25 oz. fungo bat used by Dressen while he was a third base coach for the Brooklyn Dodgers (1939-41). It is interesting in that the center brand does not have the "Powerized" logo generally associated with bats from this era but given it is a fungo bat, they probably used the old style center brand on file from his days as a player. Dressen was hired as a coach in 1939 by MacPhail having worked with him in Cincinnati who along with Durocher, brought a National League Championship to the Dodgers in 1941 for the first time since 1920. According to factory records, this bat was one of two shipped to Dressen on 9-30-39 having been patterned after the 2-23-39 Brooklyn fungo bat model D51. (model number written in records at later date when model numbers were being assigned, hense the D for Dressen) Both ash bats were listed at 24 oz with no mention of length (fungo is written in records).
As to condition, the bat is stunning. The golden color finish is perfect and there are ball marks on every hitting surface. There is a PW written in pencil on the hand turned knob which could stand for Paul Waner who was on outfielder for the Dodgers in 1941. The factory stamps literally jump off the bat. It grades a MEARS A7.5 with 5 base points, 3 use points and -.5 for a 3/4" gash on top of barrel. Collection of MEARS staff.