This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/11/2022
In 1975 George Foster emerged as the Cincinnati Reds starting left fielder. His big bat helped power the Reds “Big Red Machine” to back-to-back World Championships in 1975 and 1976. The following year Foster was the National League MVP, leading the league with 52 homers, 149 RBI and 124 runs while batting a career-high .320. He repeated as NL's home run leader in 1978 with 40 more bombs. In the strike-shortened 1981 season, he hit .295 with 22 home runs to lead all left fielders as the Reds won a baseball-best 66 games, yet did not even make the playoffs due to Commissioner Bowie Kuhn's screwy split-season format. Nevertheless, Foster's offensive output was rewarded with his first and only NL Silver Slugger presented here.
The Silver Slugger award has been handed out since 1980, given to the best offensive players at each position by Hillerich & Bradsby bat company. The imposing trophy measures 11" by 34.5" and features a full-size silver plated bat mounted on a wooden stand bearing the Louisville Slugger logo. An engraved plaque is affixed below giving Foster’s name and position along with the other winners of the award from that season. It shows some wear from age and display. A great piece that showcases George Foster’s value as one of the founding members of the Big Red Machine that dominated the National League from 1970 until the early 1980s.