Out of all 26 members of the 500 Home Run Club, finding one of Mel Ott's game used bats is by far the most challenging. There are less than a dozen Hillerich & Bradsby bats used by Mel Ott in MEARS database that date to his playing days. Mel Ott’s name is significant in the 500 Home-Run-Club-history as he's the first National Leaguer to have reached that coveted perch. Ott played his entire career with the New York Giants - in fact Giants manager John McGraw refused to farm out the 17 year-old youngster to the minors for fear someone might monkey around with the kid's distinctive raised foot batting stance. McGraw's over-protectiveness paid dividends as Ott developed into one of the most feared sluggers in the game, leading the National League in home runs six times. His bat led the Giants to a World Championship in 1933 and back-to-back pennants in 1936-1937. As his career wound down the popular slugger transitioned to the team's manager and finally front office executive and broadcaster. Ott's life was tragically cut short when he died in a car crash in 1958 at the age of 49, making any Mel Ott material from his playing days’ all the more precious.

      The Hillerich & Bradsby bat is 35" in length, weights 32.7oz is cracked at the handle. The barrel is stamped with the "Melvin Ott" signature endorsement. Not surprising for a slugger of Ott's stature, the hickory bat shows awesome use with many ball marks and stitch impressions coating the barrel. Many cleat imprints are visible and the knob and barrel ends display much wear from use. A distinctive starburst pattern is carved into the knob end. Ott’s own professional bat ordering records on file at the Louisville Slugger Museum and bat factory reveal only a single order on file for brown hickory bats on June 14, 1939 precisely identifying its labeling period. Time has bestowed a warm patina to the bat, giving it an almost glowing quality. Out of the dozen or so Met Ott gamers out there, the combination of great game use and warm coloration makes this one especially desirable. Fantastic piece of hardwood received a PSA/DNA grade of “8.5” and comes with certification #1B08627. This bat represents one of the finest and highest graded Mel Ott bats ever offered.

Auction Notepad