This is a 1961 Eddie Mathews Adirondack Professional Model Game Used Bat. This bat dates to the 1961 season based on the inscription present on the barrel of the bat, just below Mathews signature. This 94X model bat currently weighs 35.6 ounces and measures 36 inches in length.
This bat exhibits heavy use with ball marks present on each side of the barrel. Cleat marks are evident along the barrel of the bat. Due to the heavy use, light grain separation is evident along the back of the barrel. Multiple H-style handle cracks are present along the handle of the bat, with the longest crack measuring in at 11" in length. Four vintage nails have been applied to keep the bat intact. A 9" section, above the handle crack, appears to have once had white tape applied above it, which has since been removed. The lettering present in the barrel signature has been refilled with black ink. Mathews jersey number, 41, appears in faded black marker on the knob of the bat. Mathews has signed and inscribed the bat with "1961 Gamer" in black marker between the centerbrand and barrel signature.
Mathews was the only Braves player to play in all three cities with the club, Boston, Milwaukee, and Atlanta. In 1961, Mathews had one of the better years of his career, racking up 175 hits, 23 doubles, and 32 home runs, all while batting .306, a career high mark. By the end of his career, Mathews recorded 2,315 hits, 354 doubles, and 512 Home Runs, while batting .271. Although, he had racked up an incredible stat line and had been elected to the All-Star Game nine times and won two World Series Championships, he was not elected into the Hall of Fame until 1978 when he received 79.42% of the vote.
This bat grades out at the MEARS A7 grade with five points for the base grade, three points for heavy use, two points for the inscription, a one point deduction for the filled in barrel signature, one point for the handle crack and nails, and half point deductions for both the removed tape residue and grain separation on back of the barrel. The autograph has been authenticated by MEARS Online Auctions.