This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/31/2011
Hall of Famer and Tigers legend Harry Heilmann, also known as "Slug", enjoyed a great deal of success on the diamond in the teens, 1920s and '30s. His .403 average in the 1923 campaign and his .342 lifetime average serves to prove Heilmann's expertise with a bat in his hands. MEARS is proud to present one of the last bats the Detroit and Cincinnati great ever used during his unforgettable career.
Dating 1932: Per the MEARS bat label index, this bat, with the design of the "Powerized and Oil Tempered", was produced during the 1932-33 era. With Heilmann's career ending in 1932, we date this to his final season. He left baseball after 1932 and went into broadcasting with the Tigers.
Length 34": Review of Heilmann's personal H&B shipping records reveal that during his career playing years of 1920-1932, he ordered bats measuring 34", 34.5", 35", 36" & non-specified lengths. His records indicate that during 1932, bats were recorded as being shipped at 35" and 36" in length, and there were 3 orders that were recorded with weight only, with no mention of length.
Weight 33 ounces: Review of Heilmann's personal bat records document that during his career, he ordered bats weighing 34 to 40 ounces. During 1932, his bats were sent at weights of 35-37 ounces. This bat, currently weighing 33 ounces, falls within the accepted tolerance for a bat order of 35-37 ounces, as bats are documented to lose up to 5 ounces.
Model (rounded barrel): This bat may either be the Spencer Harris model or the Ernie Vick (V19). The Ernie Vick and Spencer Harris models were found with the rounder barrel end. Heilmann's older models were found with a flat barrel end.
Factory Records: Based on the length, weight, model, and dating (1932), MEARS is confident this bat is consistent with what may have been ordered by Harry Heilmann during his final 1932 season. Three factory orders are found for Heilmann with lengths of 35" or 36", this bat is not one of them due to its 34" length.
There are three orders recorded via weight only. They are:
2-5-32 36/37 ounces, (A3), no length recorded (v19, rounded barrel)
4-6-32, 36/37 ounces, (A2), no length recorded (v19, rounded barrel)
5-12-32, 35 ounces, (A3), no length recorded, Spencer Harris Model
Additionally, I reviewed both the Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers team records, both former teams of Heilmann. There were no team index bats bearing his signature ordered during 1932 as a Heilmann model.
In conclusion, it is my professional opinion that this bat is consistent with one of the three orders where no length was specified.
Game Use: Bat exhibits heavy game use. In the area above the facsimile barrel signature, over 36 deeply embedded stitch marks can be found. In the area below the barrel signature, approximately 10 clusters of ball marks can be seen. 6 cleat marks are scattered on the barrel surface. 2 green bat rack marks are found on the center brand area.
A fourteen inch handle crack extends from the area above the knob and works upwards towards and through the center brand. There is light separation along this area of the crack, with no missing pieces.
In the area above the center brand are three heavy screws. They were placed in that location to keep the crack from separating. I believe they were added after the playing career of Heilmann.
Final Grade (MEARS A6): 5 base points awarded for bat being consistent with Heilmann's length, weight and model for the 1932 era, 3 points assigned for heavy game use, minus 1 point for 14" handle crack, minus 1 point for application of 3 screws. H0053
MEARS LOA/Troy R. Kinunen
(MEARS LOA)