It’s one of the most impressive implements made out of wood – a Ty Cobb professional model bat. Manufactured to the hit king’s personal specification, it stands as a monument to craftsmanship and complete dedication to the art of hitting. From the center brand of this Ty Cobb professional model bat PSA/DNA was able to determine that it was manufactured between 1923 and 1925. Despite the absence of a stamped model number, the knob, handle and barrel dimension are identified as the C28 – Cobb’s personal model from this period. The factory records are available for the 1923 and 1925 years and show that Cobb placed several orders of these bats. However, the recorded weights of 36 to 42oz are heavier than this bat that is 32.3oz. 

Player characteristics that one finds on Cobb bats from this era such as tobacco juice stains, tape on the handle and cleat imprints in the upper barrel are also not present on this bat. The bat has the 250 – Bone Rubbed finish, a factory option that was not found in the 1923 and 1925 records as being ordered by Cobb. This leaves the possibility that this was a “Pro Stock” bat that were ordered in bulk by major and minor league teams for their players use. These pro stock bats were often the signature models of the game’s best players, such as Ty Cobb. 

The Hillerich & Bradsby model C28 bat shows excellent use with a handle crack. Several ball marks with stitch impressions are visible on the left, right and back barrel. Abrasions can be seen on the barrel and there is a lather mark on the knob end. The bat’s 250 – Bone Rubbed finish has aged to a warm, attractive golden brown. Although PSA/DNA were unable to confirm this bat’s use by Cobb, it is real beauty direct from baseball’s Golden Age. This bat comes with a Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA (1B09754).

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