Babe Ruth 100th Anniversary Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/19/2014
Centerfielder Billy Hamilton has electrified baseball crowds since his breaking the all-time single-season stolen base record as a member of the 2012 Dayton Dragons. His 155 thefts surpassed the 101 of Vince Coleman, taken in 1984. He has played 41 games for the Cincinnati Reds since his call-up in September 2013 and has stolen 28 bases. His wheels rekindle an element of baseball missed since Rickey Henderson’s hey-day.
Hamilton signed the fitted, black-and-green Dragons cap in bold, black Sharpie with his name, number (4), and inscription, “155 SB’s 2012.” Along the back rim, the cap sports a Genuine Merchandise Minor League Baseball tag, a New Era manufacturer’s tag, and the size (7) tag. Evidence of game use includes dirt smudges on the brim’s underside and wear on the front sweat band.
The 33.5-inch, black-ash, model-125 Louisville Slugger is silver engraved with “GENUINE T141 BILLY HAMILTON CINCINNATI REDS” on the front barrel an “TPX” and the MLB logo on the back barrel. The handle knob is engraved in arced “4/4/2011,” and “33.5 30.5 oz.” A rubber grip covers the knob. Black tape wraps the handle. The barrelhead is recessed.
Hamilton boldly signed the sweet spot of this bat in vivid silver Sharpie and also inscribed “#4.”
Evidence of use includes a severe crack on the handle that extends up and down the handle. Numerous ball marks scuff the barrel above the label. Several cleat marks divot the barrel. Pine tar residue can be found above the tape and below the label. The edge of recessed barrelhead is scuffed to bare wood.
Signatures are clear and clean. A COA from PSA/DNA (W45705) accompanies the cap. An COA from James Spence Authentication (#J71509) accompanies the bat for the signature which has been given a grade of GU 8.5 by PSA/DNA.