October Legends and Americana Ending November 14th
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2015
In the early years of the century, Boston sports equipment maker Wright & Ditson contracted with Indians sensation Nap Lajoie to put his name on a bat of the type he himself used. In the days before Ty Cobb, Napoleon Lajoie was the best hitter in baseball. He won the Triple Crown in 1901 and took five consecutive batting crowns from 1901 through 1905. The result was this store model double-knob bat. The double-knob was a short-lived accessory thought to improve a batter's control. The batter curled his finger under the second knob allowing him better control of his swing. This allowed him to place, rather than hit, the ball, putting it where the fielders were not positioned. Measuring 32 3/4" in length and 37.11 ounces, this thick-handled bat is the same Lajoie used to hit his way to Cooperstown. Because of baseball's popularity and the fact that equipment was used until it broke or disintegrated, surfing bats from the early 1900's are hard to find in good condition. Not only is this Lajoie bat in choice condition but it is the seldom-seen double-knob style. The Wright & Ditson name is printed in black in the center of the bat along with the patent date of "Dec. 29, 1903" printed on the barrel. "LAJOIE" has been stamped below in 1/2" tall letters. The bat shows great game use with many ball marks and spike imprints found through out. The knob end has been chipped in two places and the entire bat has taken on a warm, dark brown patina with age. The handle has been crack and secured with a spiral of black adhesive tape. A rare bat from the days when the game was one of finesse and strategy.