The late 1960’s saw “Mr Cub” - Ernie Banks - wrapping up his Hall of Fame career in style. Swinging this Louisville Slugger S2 and others like it, Banks hit a combined 55 home runs in 1967 and 1968, getting him right to the doorstep of the exclusive 500 Career Home Run Club. These were Banks’ last great years as a full-time player, and Cubs skipper Leo Durocher tapped him to be a part-time coach, letting the future Hall of Famer inspire a new generation of ballplayers.

      This Hillerich & Bradsby S2 model bat was used by Banks during those two seasons. The bat is un-cracked, and as you’d expect from the guy who didn’t want to stop at just one ballgame a day, it shows heavy use. The barrel displays many ball marks and stitch impressions, particularly on the top back barrel. There is some checking from repeated ball contact on the barrel and bat rack paint streaks and scuffs from storage with other bats are visible. The barrel end has darkened from contact with the turf and storage. The knob end has the model number “S2” stamped into it and Bank’s number “14” and the length “36” have been hand written in black marker.

      The Hall of Famer has signed the barrel in black marker just above and between the center brand and stamped signature. An inscription has been professionally removed to leave just the signature. “S2 36” has been hand written in black marker just to the right of the “Powered” stamping. The bat retains its light brown finish and the factory stamping remains dark. A nice bat used by Mr. Cub as he was putting the finishing touches on his Hall of Fame career. This bat comes with a letter of authenticity from MEARS (314706) who have graded this bat an A9.5.

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