This is a 1955 Bob Cerv H&B Louisville Slugger Professional Model World Series Game Bat with vintage autographs from the 1955 New York Yankees. This bat dates to the 1955 World Series based on the "World Series 1955" stamp, which is present above Cerv's facsimile autograph in the barrel signature. Louisville Slugger factory records indicate that Cerv was sent two K55 model bats meeting this bats specifications on September 22, 1955. This K55 model currently weighs 34.3 ounces and measures 35.75 inches in length.
This bat exhibits minimal use, with most of the wear exhibited coming from handling wear, etc. This bat remains in uncracked condition and the stampings all appear very deep and bold. This bat has been autographed by a number of players from the 1955 New York Yankees roster, most notable among them are Bill Dickey, Frank Crosetti, Casey Stengel, Don Larson, Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, Yogi Berra, Billy Martin, and others.
In 1955, the Yankees ended up just short of their 17th World Series Championship, which they would win the following year. The 1955 team won the American League pennant, edging out the Cleveland Indians by a mere 3 games, and made it all the way to Game 7 of the 1955 World Series, before they were shut out by Dodgers pitcher Johnny Podres, giving the Dodgers their first World Series Championship. The majority of the team returned in 1956, including the core players of Mantle, Berra, Ford, and several others, all of which have signed this bat.
The 1950s for the Bronx Bombers was likely the most successful decade for any professional sports franchise in history, as the Yankees won 6 of the 10 possible World Series Championships. This was an immense feat and with the introduction of free agency in professional sports will likely never come close to being matched again.
This bat grades out at the MEARS A9 grade with five points for the base grade, three points for being a World Series bat, one point for the vintage autographs, and no point deductions to mention. (JSA) Any Yankees special World Series game used bat is a gem but how about one with all of these vintage signatures actually signed during the era. As they say, Priceless.
Collection of MEARS Staff.