This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2016
Throughout his career, Don Drysdale's command of home plate wasn't limited to his use of chin music. The pitching ace was also dangerous with a bat. For his career, Drysdale launched 29 homers (among pitchers, only Warren Spahn hit more), collected 218 hits and drove in 113. In his finest campaign ever at the plate in 1965, Drysdale hit .300 (39-for-130) with seven home runs!
Offered here is one of the lesser-mentioned tools of Drysdale's trade: a professional model bat from the pitcher/slugger heydays as king of the hill. Drysdale’s Louisville Slugger 125 model bat measures 35.5" long. Block lettered into the barrel end is "All Star Game 1968 Houston" along with impressed Drysdale facsimile signature. Model number "D145" is factory stamped in the knob with a small “53” ink notation above and “ALL STAR” below. General rack wear is evident but the barrel shows minimal evidence of ball contact. The ‘68 Midsummer Classic was held on July 9, 1968, at the Astrodome in Houston, Texas the home of the Houston Astros of the National League, making this the first All-Star Game to be played indoors. The game resulted in the National League defeating the American League 1–0. It is the only All-Star Game ever played without a run batted in (RBI). The American League was limited to three hits, unable to get a rally going against starter Don Drysdale, Juan Marichal, Steve Carlton and Tom Seaver, all future Hall of Famers. Drysdale pitched three scorless innings and was 0 for 1 at the plate. What a terrific pro model bat from the personal collection of the greatest slugger ever to enter the Hall of Fame as a pitcher.
Includes LOA from the Drysdale Family.