When Ted Williams announced his “retirement” after the 1954 season in September of that year, American League pitchers released a collective sigh of relief. This relief however was short-lived as Williams returned to the Red Sox a month into the 1955 season. Returning with a vengeance, Williams tore through the American League at a .356 clip in 320 at-bats as he continued to cement his place as baseball’s greatest hitter.

The following two seasons were equally, if not more productive for the Splendid Splinter as Williams batted .345 in 1956 and an American League best .388 in 1957, his best full-season mark since hitting his historic .406 in 1941. In those three seasons of 1955 through 1957, Williams would hit 90 of his 521 career home runs and was in the top six in MVP voting each season, finishing second in 1957 to Mickey Mantle.

This Louisville Slugger W188 model bat was used by Ted Williams during the 1955-1957 seasons, displays excellent use and is un-cracked. There are several ball marks that are visible on the right, left and back barrel and a light coat of pine tar still clings to its handle. The model number “W188” is stamped into the handle and Williams’ number “9” is hand written in black marker over the stamped model number. The barrel end has black residue along the edges. This Ted Williams game used bat comes with a full LOA from PSA/DNA (1B15157) for the game use and has been graded a solid GU 8.5.

Auction Notepad