This is a 1952 Gene Woodling H&B Louisville Slugger Professional Model Game Used World Series Bat. This bat dates to the 1952 season based on the "World Series 1952" stamp above Woodling's facsimile autograph in the barrel signature. Louisville Slugger records show that Woodling was sent two K55 35" 33 oz. World Series bats on September 26, 1952. This K55 model bat currently weighs 31.8 ounces and measures 35 inches in length.
This bat exhibits heavy use with ball marks present along all sides of the barrel, but especially the top of the barrel resulting in light grain separation along the back of the barrel. A few black bat rack marks are evident along the handle. The bat top of the barrel on the end has changed from the original light brown color to an orangish color on top end of the barrel end. Woodling has autographed this bat in black marker just below the barrel signature, and "Yankees 4 Dodgers 3" appears in blue marker just below the autograph.
This is only the fourth Woodling bat examined by MEARS and the second World Series bat, the other being a 1951 World Series bat.
Woodling had a fantastic series in 1952 playing in all seven games accumulating 23 at bats, 4 runs, 8 hits and a batting average of .348. Woodling gained the distinction in 1952 of becoming the first player to hit a pinch hit triple in a World Series coming in Game One of series. In Woodling's six seasons playing in the outfield for the Bronx Bombers he won four World Series and hit 51 home runs.
This bat grades out at the MEARS A7.5 grade with five points for the base grade, three points for heavy use, two points for being a World Series bat, a two point deduction for the discoloration/staining, and a half point deduction for small chips in the barrel end. The autogaph has been authenticated by JSA Authentication and can be found in the JSA database under certification number D82581.
Collection of MEARS Staff.