This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/24/2014
In 1903, the Pacific Coast League was in its first year of existence and the ball club from Los Angeles was hitting the cover off the ball. The L.A. Angels were the best team in the league, finishing the season with a mark of 133-78. They were also led by a player/manager of renown named Frank E. Dillon. Still possessing a potent bat, the 29-year-old Dillon led the Angels to a 15-0 start (still the best record to ever start a season) and led the league in hitting with a .364 batting average. This is the batting championship presentation bat that Dillon was awarded at the conclusion of the season. It is a heavy, 34.5” reddish brown wooden baseball bat with attached sterling silver accouterments. Two thin silver bands with decorated edges and triangular ends are tacked into the bat's handle, while a shield shaped, engraved silver plaque is attached at the start of the barrel that reads: “Presented to Frank E. Dillon - Evatt & Hinkle Jewelers - 76 Geary St. - For Best Hitting Average - For Aug. 03 - P.C.B.B.L.” The middle of the barrel includes a tacked-in, decorative silver baseball. Weighing three and a half pounds, the bat demonstrates exceptional quality and craftsmanship throughout. This is certainly the earliest and arguably one of the finest PCL awards ever presented at public auction.
Includes a Letter of Provenance from the Helms Athletic Foundation/LA84 Collection.