Even with his monstrous career stats, unique accolades, and lasting impact on America’s Pastime, the late Frank Robinson somehow remains one of the more underrated and underappreciated Hall of Fame greats. A member of the 500 Home Run Club with 586 career dingers, Robinson holds the distinction of being the only player ever to win MVP honors in both leagues – 1961 with the Cincinnati Reds and 1966 with the Baltimore Orioles when he also won the Triple Crown. Robinson made more history in 1975 by becoming MLB’s first Black manager. His playing career was not done until the end of the ’76 campaign, however, as he served the final two years with the noble “player/manager” tag. Starting in 1977, Frank focused strictly on being a manager and coach for another 20 seasons of cumulative service with four different franchises, concluding his baseball career as honorary president of the American League.
Featured here is a 1973 Frank Robinson game bat used during his brief tenure with the California Angels. What makes this example special is that it is just the second photo-matched Frank gamer ever to come to market. In fact, the bat has been conclusively matched to a 1973 image (Getty 91223765) used for two Frank Robinson Topps cards: 1974 Topps Deckle Edge #66 and 2022 Topps Heritage ’73 Flashbacks #BF-17.
This Hillerich & Bradsby professional model R182 bat, measuring 35" long and weighing 35.1 ounces, is made of top-quality white ash with well-defined manufacturer stampings. Robinson's uniform number ("20") is written on the knob in vintage black marker. The bat remains uncracked and displays outstanding evidence of game use with plenty of ball marks and stitch impressions on the barrel. There is a very light coat of pine tar on the handle. Robinson signed the front barrel in 8/10 black marker.
John Taube of PSA/DNA has given it a perfect GU 10 grade. Also comes with LOAs from Beckett and PSA/DNA for the autograph. Both Taube and MatchDocs have photo-matched the bat. Full paperwork from both is provided. Also included is a large 18x24” blown-up poster of Getty 91223765 as well as a raw 2022 Topps Heritage ’73 Flashbacks card of Frank Robinson –the perfect set of photo-matched display items to go with the bat.
It should be noted that the only other known photo-matched Frank Robinson game-used bat (1976 Bicentennial example) sold for $36,000 in February 2023.