This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/23/2019
ADDENDUM: PSA/DNA bat grade bumped to GU 9 based on provenance. Updated LOA pending.
Among the game's most prolific hitters during the 1980's, Don Mattingly was named AL MVP in 1985 and hit for both average and power throughout his injury-plagued career in the Bronx. The breakout campaign for "Donnie Baseball" came in 1984, his first full season in the big leagues, in which the 9-time Gold Glove first baseman won the AL batting title with a .343 average. He also led the league in doubles (44) and hits (207), while launching 23 home runs and 110 RBI to start a stretch of six straight All-Star nods.
Presented here is Mattingly's Louisville Slugger M110 professional model game used bat from the '84 season. The 34", 33 oz. ash bat is un-cracked and exhibits evidence of excellent use. Several ball marks are visible on the right and back barrel. The handle has been scored to enhance the grip and there is a light coat of pine tar on the handle. Mattingly's player number (23) is written on the knob in blue marker. Mattingly has autographed below the barrel stamping in blue as well.
A detailed letter of provenance by the grandson of a former Yankees scout explains that this was likely the last bat Mattingly used at the end of the '84 season when the batting title came down to the wire. Donnie barely won it over teammate Dave Winfield, and gifted his special lumber to the lucky fan straight out of the dugout after the final game of the season.
Includes LOA from John Taube of PSA/DNA graded GU 9. Autograph is pre-certified by PSA/DNA.