This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/3/2016
The 1962 San Francisco Giants season saw the Giants finish in first place in the National League with a record of 103 wins and 62 losses. They finished the season tied with their arch-rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers, for first place in the league, necessitating a three-game tiebreaker playoff to determine the pennant winner. The Giants won two of the three games to take their first National League title since moving to San Francisco, making the Giants the first NL Champions of the 162-game schedule era. They went on to the 1962 World Series, where they lost in seven games to the New York Yankees. Game used bats that can pinpoint to significant seasons are always in high demand. MEARS has conducted a complete evaluation of this bat, the results:
Dating (1960-64): Per the MEARS official bat centerbrand guide, the centerbrand of this bat was manufactured during the 1960-64 timeframe. Review of McCovey’s personal bat records reveals this bat was ordered on 5-22-62.
Model (K44): The K44 model was first used by Willie McCovey during the 1962 season.
Length 35”: Bat measures 35” which is consistent with what Willie McCovey ordered during the referenced time frame.
Weight 33 ½ ounces: Per McCovey’s order on 5-22-62 which was listed at 34 ounces, this bat is within an acceptable range for that bat order.
Game Use: Bat exhibits heavy game use, with numerous ball and stitch marks. There is a 5” area of deadwood on the reverse barrel. Cleat marks are present. Handle has a lightly cracked handle with slight separation.
Autograph: The bat has been signed, Willie McCovey, 521 HRs in near mint black sharpie. JSA Auction Letter Accompanies this lot.
Final Grade (MEARS A7): A base grade of 5 points was assigned for bat matching personal records, 3 points for heavy game use, plus ½ point for pinpointed factory record, minus 1 point for missing / outline of handle tape, cracked handle. Minus ½ for deadwood on reverse barrel. (76D0420)
LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS