Many players have nicknames, but only one bat was famous enough to have a world renowned moniker, “The Black Betsy”. For the MEARS March Auction, we are proud to offer a perfect example of Joe Jackson’s “Black Betsy” barnstorming bat that comes with additional provenance. Rare, with a perfect “Black Betsy” finish, this example is one of the finest in the hobby with its perfect deep flame burned finish and deep factory stampings. By comparison, this example compares quite favorable to other known examples, and has the distinction of being the heaviest surviving example (41 ounces!). The bats‘characteristics are as follows:
Date 1922-26: Based on the examination of the centerbrand, this bat was manufactured by Louisville Slugger anytime during the 1922-30 labeling period. The provenance states the bat was obtained by the consignor’s uncle whom played in the Texas League, actual dates not provided. The consignor also stated it was rumored the bat was obtained by Wilcy Moore as a gift from Joe Jackson. Wilcy Moore’s minor league career spanned 1922-26, therefore, we concluded that based on the intersection of Moore’s career and the bat label dating, that the bat was circa 1922-26. Wilcy more was a Texas native, and played in the Texas League during 1922-23. Joe Jackson barnstormed in the South during this era, so the connection is reasonable.
Length 36: Although not supported by factory records due to the incompleteness of the Joe Jackson H&B personal bat file, this bat, measuring 36”, is consistent with (4) additional 1921-30 Joe Jackson H&B bats examined by MEARS. They are:
MEARS #259085 1921-30 Joe Jackson, 36”
MEARS #251274 1921-30 Joe Jackson, 36”
MEARS #251497, 1921-30 Joe Jackson, 36”
MEARS #302988, 1921-30 Joe Jackson, 36”
Therefore, this bat is consistent with what would be expected to have been used by Joe Jackson during his 1920s barnstorming career and is supported by comparison to other known examples.
Weight 41 ounces: Of the 4 additional Joe Jackson bat examined by MEARS, this is the heaviest surviving example. This bat by comparison, is also within a consistent range of the other examples examined by MEARS and falls within an acceptable weight range for what you would expect to see as supplied to Joe Jackson by H&B when compared to the other known examples. The other examples are:
MEARS #259085 1921-30 Joe Jackson, 38.3 ounces (missing back piece, most likely weighed more)
MEARS #251274 1921-30 Joe Jackson, 37 ounces
MEARS #251497, 1921-30 Joe Jackson, 39 ounces
MEARS #302988, 1921-30 Joe Jackson, 39 ounces
Barrel Signature “Jackson”: On June 1st, 1912, Joe Jackson signed an endorsement contract with Louisville Slugger. As part of the process, he provided them with his signature, (authentic and supports his ability to sign autographs), which was used to produce the barrel facsimile signature stamping. Authentic examples of “Joe Jackson” signature model player career (pre-1920) bats have entered the hobby. All pre-banishment signature model bats that have entered the hobby (2 known examples), were found with the full “Joe Jackson” signature.
After the 1919 Black Sox scandal, Major League Baseball enforced a lifetime ban against Joe Jackson. It is theorized that Louisville Slugger thought it would be prudent not to continue to provide Joe Jackson with his standard full signature model bat, the famous practice that continued to be utilized by Major League baseball stars throughout the league.
In a manner of compromise, “Joe” was stricken from the factory dye, which then produced the “Jackson” only barrel stamping.
The shame caused from the 1919 season was even branded onto Joe’s “Black Betsy” bat for the remainder of his career.
Finish “Black Betsy”: Examination confirms this bat was manufactured at the H&B plant with the famous “Black Betsy” finish. Characterized as an evenly distributed flame burned finish, the barrel end is covered throughout the surface of the bat, just stopping within the 8” inches of the handle to knob area.
The natural finish of those last 8” of the handle offers heavy contrast to the dark Black Betsy finish, and the final results have caused for easy photo identification. Images provided.
Game use: Bat exhibits the signs of heavy game use, created over the course of several months and many games. In the area of the front of the barrel signature, the front surface of wood grain has slightly lifted the result of the deadwood effect. Deadwood is the positive result of heavy game use, caused from the repeated contact of bat to ball. Due to the dark “Black Betsy” finish, the lifting of the grain is masked, as the deadwood perfectly follows the lines of the front center grain.
Provenance: The accompanying notarized letter of provenance reads, "Brief History of the Jackson bat. The Bat was given to me about a year ago by a friend in declining health. The bat was given to him 45 years ago by his uncle, just before he died. His uncle was a professional ballplayer who played in the Texas Leagues in the 1920s. His uncle was close friends with Wilcy Moore, who he believes, gave him the bat. Wilcy pitched for the New York Yankees in the 1927 World Series and was Babe Ruth's roommate. Wilcy once came to watch my friend pitch when he was in little league. Signed XXXX (consignor)"
Additional deadwood can be found on the reverse of the barrel, again perfectly following the reverse barrel grain. There is some deep stitch marks lightly scattered throughout the barrel end of the bat.
Final Grade (MEARS A9): Base grade of 5 points were assigned for the bat being consistent with player model, length, & weight. 3 points were assigned for optimal heavy game use. 2 points were awarded for documented player traits (black Betsy model, manufacturing characteristics) and the family provenance. Minus 1 for the "WL" carved into the knob.
For the most discrimination collector, this bat has it all! Perfect factory stampings, beautiful “Black Betsy” finish, and family provenance. Per the MEARS Bat census, this is one of 6 authentic examples, and rates as 1 of 2 A9 examples, with only one grading a perfect 10.