Jackie Robinson broke the Major League Baseball color barrier in 1947 when he suited up for the then-Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15 at Ebbets Field before a crowd of 26,623 spectators. That game, in which Robinson played first base and score a run to help the Dodgers post a 5-3 victory over the Boston Braves, would change his life and the landscape of professional baseball forever. A four-sport (baseball, basketball, football and track) varsity star at UCLA, Robinson would play just one season in the Negro Leagues (1945) for the Kansas City Monarchs before getting an opportunity that would set the baseball world on its ear. Then Brooklyn Dodgers GM Branch Rickey was scouting the Negro Leagues for a possible addition to the Dodgers roster when he came across Robinson. He may not have been the best player in the Negro Leagues – many thought that distinction belonged to Homestead Grays catcher Josh Gibson – but Robinson was Rickey’s choice to make history. He would spend the entire 1946 season playing for the Dodgers minor league team, the Montreal Royals of the Class AAA International League, but would arrive at the bigs just one year later. In his first season with the Dodgers, Robinson was named National League Rookie of the Year. He batted .297 while playing in 151 regular-season games and helped the Dodgers win the NL pennant with a record of 94-60. He even finished fifth in the MVP balloting that season. A year later, the Dodgers would finish third in the NL with a 84-70 mark while Robinson once again turned in a fine .296 batting performance over 147 games. But it would be the 1949 season in which Robinson silenced all the critics and turned in a campaign worthy of the MLB record books. Robinson entered the ‘49 season with much to prove. Showing his versatility as well as his durability, he played in the most regular-season games (156) of his career and batted a league-leading .342 with a league-best 37 stolen bases to his credit. To no one’s surprise, he was voted to start at second base in the Mid-Summer Classic. He went 1-for-4 in the game and scored three runs for the NL squad, but despite his best efforts, the AL Stars won the game, 11-7. In the season’s second half, Robinson led the Dodgers to their second National League pennant in three years and another trip to the Fall Classic. Though they lost to the Yankees again, Robinson finished the season with 203 hits including 38 doubles, 124 runs batted in and 16 home runs. After all the dust had settled, he was voted the National League MVP. All in all, it was a season to remember.

   This Hillerich & Bradsby “S100” signature model bat was used by Robinson during his incredible 1949 season. Unique just like its owner, the uncracked 35-inch, 34.4 ounce, white ash beauty boasts a pronounced centerband and barrel stampings. In fact, it’s the only Jackie Robinson game-used bat known to exist from that season save for an All-Star bat he brandished ONLY during the Mid-Summer Classic. Although this lumber hails from the 1943-49 labeling period, factory records reveal that this particular model number (S100) was ordered by Robinson but once, that being for the ‘49 MLB season. Further research of Robinson’s available factory ordering reveals that this bat was ordered on May 5, 1949. The bat shows visible evidence of excellent use with several ballmarks and ball stitch marks visible on the left and back barrel. Also visible on the bat are blue bat rack streaks. This item has been examined by PSA/DNA experts and is found to be genuine in every respect. The authenticated item has been permanently marked with an invisible DNA daub that will fluoresce under a patented laser lamp. The bat grade by PSA/DNA is GU-9. It also comes with Letters of Authenticity from renowned industry experts Dave Bushing and Troy Kinunen/MEARS.

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