Edward Trowbridge Collins was the cornerstone of Connie Mack's fabled $100,000 infield with the Philadelphia Athletics and is considered by many the greatest second baseman of all-time. One of the most accomplished and patient hitters of his day, Collins batted over .300 in 19 of his 25 seasons and finished his career in 1930 with a .333 lifetime average and 3,315 hits. Part of baseball's inaugural 1939 Hall of Fame induction class, “Cocky” was a six-time World Series champion, 4-time AL stolen base leader, and won the league MVP in 1914, the year the A's finished off their third title in four years.
When the rogue Federal League forced an increase in player salaries across baseball, however, Mack found himself unable to afford the many stars and eventual Hall of Famers that brought the A’s their early championship glory. The loss of Eddie Collins to the White Sox in 1915 was perhaps the most painful of all, sending the Mack Men spiraling downward to the American League cellar while giving the Windy City an immediate contender. This divine Collins gamer dates to the 1916-19 period when he helped lead the Chicago to two AL pennants and a World Series victory in 1917. Although a member of the infamous 1919 Black Sox, Collins was not accused of participating in the scandal. Yet, this bat shared the same dugout as Shoeless Joe and the rest of that fabled bunch.
The 34” length and 35½ oz. weight of the Hillerich and Bradsby signature model ash bat match Collins’ order records for this era. Bat expert John Taube of PSA/DNA describes its evidence of game use as "outstanding," noting ball marks and cleat impressions on the barrel and a handle crack. The shadow of 15” inches of spiral grip tape, removed long ago, is still visible. Period photos show Collins using bats with this tape application. Unfortunately, the mystery of this bat’s involvement during a tumultuous and controversial period of baseball history will never be solved. Did Collins swing it during the ChiSox’s championship run in 1917? Did it bear witness to the notorious Eight Men Out in 1919? Its real story may be lost to history, but this only amplifies the lumber’s mystique as a rare and important keepsake from the incredibly short supply of Collins gamers that have survived the past century. Includes LOA from John Taube of PSA/DNA with a GU 8 grade.