Roger Bresnahan, “The Duke of Tralee”, began his Hall of Fame career in 1897 and over the span of 18 seasons totally changed the way the position of catcher was played. When the fiery backstop took the field in 1907 wearing protective shin guards he modified from cricket equipment, incensed fans rioted, causing the game to be forfeited. Despite a steady stream of ridicule by the press and fans alike, Bresnahan’s innovative shin guards were quickly adapted by both leagues. After a savage beaning that same year, the inventive catcher wiled away the time in his hospital bed drawing up the plans for a batting helmet, though it took almost 40 years to become reality. An especially fast ball player, Bresnahan often batted leadoff and his lifetime average of .279 was high in an era when catchers weren’t known for their hitting. Both John McGraw and Branch Rickey called him the best catcher they’d ever managed.

Presented here is a Roger Bresnahan Spalding Autograph model bat. This bat displays outstanding game use and is un-cracked. According to the game experts at PSA/DNA, who have provided a detailed LOA for this bat, “Spalding Gold Medal Autograph series bats and Autograph Series bats were popular among players from the early 1900’s to the 1920’s, when Louisville Slugger became the primary bat used in the major leagues…Both the Roger Bresnahan Gold Medal Autograph and Autograph Series bats appear in period Spalding catalogs and were available to the public…Roger Bresnahan Autograph models were available during the labeling period from 1912 through at least 1922, seven years after his major league career…Minus strong provenance and/or indisputable player characteristics, any Spalding Gold Medal Autograph or Autograph series bat, cannot be confirmed as being game used by the player.” The bat’s length is 32.25 inches and weighs approximately 43.2 ounces, which are measurements that are consistent with Bresnahan bats appearing in the Spalding catalog. A great early 20th century bats that possibly was used by Bresnahan during his career and this bat comes with a LOA from PSA/DNA (1B25214) for the use and has been given a grade of GU 6.