While other kids played baseball, Ron LeFlore spent his teen years shooting heroin and stealing beer from Stroh’s Brewery in Detroit. Sent to prison for armed robbery at the age of 22, LeFlore began playing baseball for the prison’s team. Word soon spread of the inmate’s skill with a bat and speed on the bases, gaining the attention of Detroit Tigers’ manager Billy Martin. Martin secured LeFlore’s parole, and he began his unlikely climb to the Major Leagues. This bat dates from LeFlore’s 1977-79 seasons with the Tigers, during which he batted .308 and led the AL in steals (185).  LeFlore’s Hillerich & Bradsby S44 model bat shows outstanding use with a handle crack. There is some checking from repeated ball contact on the front barrel. LeFlore’s number “8” is written in red marker on the knob and the handle has a moderate coat of pine tar. A great gamer from a player with one of the most unique back-stories in baseball history. The bat comes with a LOA from PSA/DNA (1B16107) for the game use and has been graded a solid GU 8.5. Additionally, there is a COA from JSA for the signature (CC55402).

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