JULY 19TH AUCTION
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/20/2013
On a mighty team made up of strong personalities - Jackie Robinson, Duke Snider, Pee Wee Reese, Carl Furillo, Roy Campanella - one man stood out for his quiet, rock-solid presence - first baseman Gil Hodges. The voice of reason and strength, Hodges emerged from being a third-string catcher to become one of the most beloved players ever to wear a Dodger uniform. During the three seasons this bat dates to, Hodges hit a combined .285 with 86 home runs and made the All-Star team twice as Brooklyn won its first and only World Championship. Though he followed the team to Los Angeles and later managed the Amazin’ Mets to a World Championship in 1969, it is his time in Brooklyn that Hodges will forever be remembered for. This beautiful piece of lumber dates from the final, triumphant years of that mythical ball club. The Hillerich & Bradsby S2 is uncracked and shows outstanding use. Ball marks and stitch marks cover the barrel which has been stamped with “HODGES”. Green bat rack marks can be seen and Hodges famous “14” is written on the knob in black marker. A light coat of pine tar is evident on the handle and age has given this bat a warm patina. What’s more, Brooklyn’s immortal first baseman has signed the barrel in black ink and added “Best Wishes”. Finding Hodges bats from his Brooklyn days are difficult. Finding autographed game used Hodges bats are next to impossible, with this being the nicest of only two known. PSA/DNA sticker number 1B03971 is affixed to the barrel end and the bat comes with a full LOA for the signature from PSA/DNA.
This lot has a Reserve Price that has not been met.