October Legends Closing October 29
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2016
Right before the 1912 World Series, Red Sox outfielder Tris Speaker signed his first endorsement contract with bat makers J.R. Hillerich & Son - today’s Louisville Slugger. Hillerich & Sons used Speaker’s likeness on their famous retail line of decal bats as well as manufactured the bats he used in games. As a Louisville Slugger endorsee, Speaker would have been one of the select players entrusted by the company to try out new products, such as their “Oil Tempered” finish. PSA/DNA believes that this bat was manufactured for and delivered to Tris Speaker for his expert evaluation.
This bat measures 33 inches and weights 38oz - a search of post 1920 records (all pre-1920 Louisville Slugger records are lost) shows that the weight is within Speaker’s range but the length is not. This can be explained by the uneven surface of the barrel end, showing that the bat was shortened after leaving the factory. As PSA/DNA states in their LOA: “it’s our opinion, the subject bat is a sample of the new oil tempered finish which was sent to Tris Speaker.”
This J.R. Hillerich & Son “Oil Tempered” bat is un-cracked and exhibits outstanding use. Ball marks and numerous small abrasions can be seen on the barrel. Slight checking from repeated ball contact can be seen on the back barrel. “SPEAKER” has been stamped into the barrel between the centerboard and the “Oil Tempered” spammed logo. As there was only one professional player with the name “Speaker” during the labeling period this bat dates to, PSA/DNA have determined that the Speaker in question is the Hall of Famer Tris Speaker. There are paint splattering visible on the bat’s handle and barrel. The letter “R” has been carved into the knob end and there are five small nails present. The bat weights 38 oz and measures 33 inches, though as previously noted, due to the slightly uneven surface of the barrel end PSA/DNA has determined that the bat has been shortened since leaving the Louisville factory. This bat comes with a letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA (1B11798).