In two back-to-back seasons, 1958-1959, Ernie Banks’ unbridled enthusiasm for the game brimmed over the most explosive offensive output ever compiled by a Chicago Cub. During those two summers, Banks led the National League in RBI twice, home runs and slugging once and hit a combined 92 round-trippers. Banks became the first National Leaguer to win back-to-back MVP Awards, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest ball players of all-time.

     This tremendous bat dates to those prime years based on the center brand which is of the 1950-1960 style. Dating is further narrowed by Banks’ Professional Bat Ordering Records in the Louisville Slugger Archives, which show he began ordering the S2 model in 1955 and used it throughout his back-to-back MVP seasons of 1958 and 1959. The Hillerich & Bradsby S2 shows heavy game use and is un-cracked. There is a 4-inch layer of slight separation of dead wood on the reverse of the bat from repeated ball contact. Ball marks with stitch impressions are visible on the barrel along with cleat imprints. Model number “S2” is stamped into the knob. To complete this piece of baseball history, the Hall of Famer has signed the barrel in black marker adding “Let’s Play Two, 512 HRs, Game Bat, 1958/59 MVP”. The bat comes with a Letter of Authenticity from MEARS (314614) for the game use who have graded it an A7 and a full LOA from PSA/DNA for the signature (AC04472).

Auction Notepad