This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/24/2014
Eight years after making his professional debut in 1946 as an infielder-outfielder, Bob Lemon realized his destiny as a pitcher. At the age of 25, he embarked on a Hall of Fame pitching career that included seven 20-win seasons over a nine-year span. The right-handed ace became a key factor in Cleveland's 1948 and '54 pennant drives, posting records of 20-14 and 23-7, respectively. After his playing days, Lemon became a successful manager, leading the Yankees to the world championship in 1978.
The offered pairing of special event professional model bats date from Lemon’s coaching/managerial career. Includes a 1976 New York Yankees World Series model H&B bicentennial bat and a 1979 All-Star Game (Seattle Wash.) H&B professional model bat. Lemon was the manager of the 1979 AL squad in the ’79 Mid-summer Classic. Both bats show only light surface wear and rack marks with no measurable game use. The ’79 AS bat has some light tape residue around the barrel that likely could be removed.
Includes a Letter of Provenance from the Helms Athletic Foundation/LA84 Collection.