Goldin Elite Auction Ending May 22-23
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/23/2021
This lot closes on May 23rd, 2021 at 10:00 PM EDT for initial bids.
As far as catchers go, Ernie Lombardi might be the most underrated one with a plaque in Cooperstown. Known today for his large nose (he was affectionately known as “The Snooze”) and for being knocked cold during a play at the plate in the 1939 World Series, Ernie Lombardi was one of the most feared batters of the 1930’s. Though he was known as one of the slowest, Lombardi hit the ball so far and so hard, he didn’t need to run fast to get on base. He was the 1938 National League MVP and Batting Champion, and then called the pitches for the 1939 and 1940 Cincinnati Reds that won a pair of pennants and a World Championship.
After his trade to the Giants in 1943, Lombardi again won a batting crown. The 8-time All-Star used this bat from his 1940 World Championship season through the end of his playing days in 1947.Lombardi’s Hillerich & Bradsby M31 model bat has been dated to the 1942-46 seasons and is un-cracked, displaying outstanding game use. There are many ball marks and scuffs are visible on the barrel along with cleat imprints and the handle has been scored to enhance the grip.
The labeling period of this bat was defined by the center brand and the version of “Powerized” branded to the right of the center brand. According to Vince Malta’s book “A Complete Reference Guide Louisville Slugger Professional Player Bats”, this bat features a C-8 center brand which appeared on Louisville Slugger professional bats from 1940-1947. A P-5 “Powerized” appeared from 1942-1947. With the exception of an order placed on June 3, 1943, Lombardi exclusively ordered Jim Marcum (M31) models according to the Professional Bat Ordering Records (PBOR). The length and weight of this bat (35.0 inches, 35.9 ounces) are consistent with the Marcum models ordered by Lombardi from 1942 through 1946. A great gamer from one of the most under-appreciated players in the Hall of Fame and is only one of three Lombardi game used bats recorded in PSA/DNA’s database – making this extremely rare. The bat comes with a LOA from PSA/DNA (1B13668) for the game use and has been given a high grade of GU 8.5.