The arrival of centerfielder Richie Ashburn was the beginning of the rejuvenation of the Philadelphia Phillies franchise after WWII. After more than three decades in the cellar, the Phillies began the 1950s by winning their first pennant since 1915. Featuring a bunch of fresh-faced youngsters, the team became known as “The Whiz Kids” and remained a pennant contender well into the 1960s. Richie Ashburn was the team’s steady singles man, accumulating over 2,500 base hits during his 15-year career. Ashburn won the first of his two batting titles in 1955, hitting .338 as well as leading the league in on-base percentage. Ashburn won another title in 1958 and finished his career with a .308 average. Equally admired for his glove as well as his bat, Ashburn was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1995. Still wildly popular in Philly long after his playing days ended, Ashburn was the Phillies play-by-play man from 1963 until he passed away in 1997.

This Hillerich & Bradsby O1S model bat was used by Ashburn during his first batting title season of 1955. The bat is un-cracked and displays outstanding use. Numerous ball marks with stitch impressions are visible on the right, left and back barrel. Cleat impressions can be found on the back barrel and the handle has been heavily scored to enhance the grip. The model number “O1S” is stamped into the knob and Ashburn’s number “1” has been handwritten in faded black marker. A tremendous bat from one of the greatest players to ever wear Phillies uniform used during his batting championship season. This bat comes from the collection of Cincinnati Reds clubhouse manager Bernie Stowe. The bat comes with a LOA from PSA/DNA (1B13794) for the game use and has been graded a perfect GU 10.  

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