October Legends Closing October 29
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2016
Back before WWII it was customary for a ballplayer to send one of his broken or worn out bats back to the Louisville Slugger factory to have exact duplicates made. In this case a minor league or semi-pro ballplayer gave his preferred bat, a Babe Ruth signature store model, to the Rapidan Supply Company who in turn mailed it to Hillerich & Bradsby in Kentucky. When received in Louisville, the bat was marked “Order 36oz Rapidan Supply Co” and dated “4-25-22”, giving us the exact year it was used.
The Hillerich & Bradsby 40BR model bat exhibits moderate use with a restored handle crack. Several ball marks with stitch impressions can be seen on the barrel and there are cleat imprints on the right, left and back barrel. A great Ruth store model side-written bat that documents one of baseballs quaintest traditions. This bat comes with a Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA (1B09771).