October Legends
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/2/2013
Called “Bucketfoot Al” for his stepping to third when he hit, Al Simmons replaced Ty Cobb as the premier hitter during the 1920’s and 30’s. Winning two batting titles, Simmons led the Philadelphia Athletics to three consecutive pennants and two World Championships. By the time he retired in 1944 he amassed 2,927 hits and boasted a lifetime .334 batting average. Along with his odd batting style, Simmons wielded a pretty unique bat as well: this thing is HUGE. Since he stepped "in the bucket" during each swing, Simmons needed an extremely long bat to cover the entire plate, and Simmons is known for using the longest bat in the majors. Measuring a staggering 38” long, this uncracked 34.5 oz Hillerich & Bradsby S28 model bat is an impressive piece of lumber. And while most hitters of the day used H&B’s “Powerized” models, Simmons wasn’t a fan of the process which was meant to prevent “checking” of the grain. As such, his bats are unique in that they lack that familiar “Powerized” logo mark next to the H&B brand. This S28 model bat is consistent of the style ordered by the Hall of Famer between 1938 and 1940. Well used, the bat was sent back to the factory in Louisville where it was filed away and used as an exemplar for Simmons’ subsequent orders. Various ink and pencil notations are visible on the barrel and handle, reflecting the bat’s unique attributes. Above the H&B brand mark “35 oz Al Simmons. 5-11-40” is hand-written in grease pencil. Below that “Phila Amer.” is noted, consistent with Simmons’ team in 1940-41 and the ball club for which he is most associated. This un-cracked bat shows tremendous game use with cleat impressions and heavy ball marks, plus rack marks and great use along the handle. Grain checking on the back barrel has been repaired with 13 small “bat boy” finishing nails. The model number "S28" is engraved on both the knob and the end of the barrel, and all manufacturer stampings are deeply branded, with even lettering and no imperfections. Coming from the Louisville Slugger vaults, this bat has about as solid provenance as you can ask, the side-writing places the bat directly into the hands of Al Simmons, indicating this was his favorite bat to use. This is one of the finest Al Simmons game used bats in existence, and to quote John Taube, noted game used bat specialist "It is the finest Al Simmons game used bat I have had the pleasure of authenticating." This bat comes with an original letter form Taube, a PSA/DNA letter with a grade of GU-10, and MEARS has graded this historic bat a perfect A10. Letters of Authenticity from all are included.