2019 Summer Premium Live and Catalog Auction Lots 1-82 Close Aug 1- 83-end close 8/10

Lot #14: 1962 Ernie Banks All-Star Game Used & Signed Hillerich & Bradsby S2 Model Bat (PSA/DNA GU 9 & Beckett)

Description

Going into the 1962 season Ernie Banks was by far the most popular man to wear a Cubs jersey in more than a generation. Since 1954 Banks had been an institution at shortstop, turning double plays that made the Wrigley Field faithful cheer with wild abandon. But Banks had a nagging knee injury from his Army service, and by 1962 it had begun to affect his play at shortstop. Not willing to lose his bat in the lineup, Cubs management tried Banks in left field, but since Banks was the kind of player who thrived on the excitement and comradery of the infield, his exile to the far reaches of the ballpark left him feeling alienated.

When his batting suffered, it was decided to put Banks at first base. The move paid off, and Banks began slugging the ball at his usual pace. As he had been every season since 1955, Mr. Cub took his place on that summer’s All-Star team. Beginning in 1959, the Major Leagues played two All-Star Games every year, and the first one of 1962 was held at Griffith Stadium in Washington. Banks got into the game as a pinch hitter in the top of the 7th inning, grounding out. He stayed in the game at first base, coming up again in the 9th, popping out to left field and completing four plays at his new position flawlessly.

This Hillerich & Bradsby S2 model bat was one of two specially made for Banks for his use in the 1962 All-Star Game. The bat has the custom “1962 ALL STAR GAME WASHINGTON” on the barrel, shows excellent use and is un-cracked. Small areas on the left and right barrel have been refinished and there are several ball marks visible on the left barrel. Cleat imprints can be found on the right and left barrel and the model number “S2” is stamped into the knob. The ash has taken on a warm golden tone from age which contrasts nicely with the blackened stamping of the barrel and center brand stamping. To complete this All-Star Gamer, Mr. Cub himself has signed the barrel in bold black marker. The bat comes with a LOA from PSA/DNA (1B16917) for the game use and has been graded a near-perfect GU 9, plus a LOA from Steve Grad of Beckett Authentication (A56153) for the signature.

Final Bid (Includes Buyers Premium):$10,200
Minimum Bid:$3,500
Number of Bids:15