This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/1/2010
Cobb broke into the majors in 1905 after being purchased by the Detroit Tigers from the minor leagues for $750. Manager Hugh Jennings made him a regular outfielder in 1907 and Cobb became the youngest player to win the batting title. It was the first of 12 batting crowns, including nine in a row, both still records today. When he retired from the game of baseball in 1928 he held 90 major league records, most of these achieved with his bat. Most telling of his superiority is his .367 lifetime average. Accomplished over a 24-year career, it is a daunting mark that will likely never be approached. Dating from the dawn of his reign as baseball's most feared and dominant competitor, this 34.5 inch, 38 ounce Spalding bat is composed of the finest ash and features Cobb's facsimile signature stamped on the barrel amidst the Spalding centerbrand. In addition to being among the earliest Cobb gamers we've encountered, its usage characteristics are sublime. Most likely appearing just as it did when it last left Cobb's hands, this uncracked bat exhibits many ball marks and several ball stitch impressions on the right, left and back barrel. Also visible on the barrel are green bat tray streaks and cleat marks. The length and weight of the bat are perfect use characteristics for Cobb. The appearance of Cobb’s facsimile signature allows us to establish the labeling period of the bat as 1907-08 because Cobb signed his first signature contract with J.F. Hillerich & Son on October 13th, 1908.
The Spalding autograph series was used at the Major League level during the referenced labeling period thru the early 1920's as evidenced through period player photographs. The autograph series was also produced for retail sale. Retail bats were identified with a finished knob that included the familiar Spalding baseball trademark and were cut to even lengths, 31 to 36 inches. Professional model bats, such as this Cobb model, had unfinished knobs that were hand-turned. Additionally, professional bats were manufactured in half-inch lengths as requested by the player. This bat matches perfectly in both length and weight, bats ordered by Cobb during his career. The era of this bat, distinctive labeling characteristics, and its sheer beauty contribute to its status as one of the finest Cobb bats we have handled to date. Includes full LOAs from MEARS (Grade GU8) and John Taube of PSA/DNA (Grade A8).