During the 1920’s, the “Rajah” was the National League’s answer to Babe Ruth. Rogers Hornsby ate, slept and breathed hitting. He eschewed alcohol and smoking and avoided even reading and attending movies lest it harm his batting eye. Hornsby’s iron discipline paid off as he became the most feared National League batter during the Roaring Twenties.

     During the stretch in which Hornsby used this bat, 1923-1925, the Rajah won the batting crown every year, was the National League MVP, won the Triple Crown, was a RBI leader and home run champ. To say this bat dates to Hornsby’s prime years would be an understatement. The Hillerich & Bradsby bat is 34 inches and weighs 33.1 ounces. The knob, handle and barrel dimensions match what was called “His Hornsby Model” by H&B’s Louisville factory. The model was later designated the “H117” model and used by later-day sluggers trying to emulate the old master.

     While most professional model H&B bats have either the stamped signature or block letter last name on the barrel, this bat has Hornsby’s initials “RH”, something only done by the bat manufacturer for a short period during the early 1920’s. The type of center brand also narrows the bat to the 1922-1925 period. A period photo of Hornsby with the Cardinals shows him posing with one of these “RH” stamped bats. The bat shows heavy use with a repaired handle crack. The top and front barrel has been restored. Ball marks are visible on the barrel along with many depressions. An incredible piece of baseball history that comes with a full LOA from PSA/DNA (1B05473) for the game use and has been graded a “GU 6”.

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