This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/29/2020
Hall of Famer Frankie Frisch made his MLB debut in 1919, but it wasn’t until the following season that he became a fixture in the everyday lineup. This exceptional game used bat hails from his earliest and greatest seasons with John McGraw’s New York Giants during which the uber-talented squad won two World Series titles. Even among a roster loaded with eventual Cooperstown inductees, Frisch stood out with his slick fielding at second base and timely hitting from the two or three-hole.
Over a four-year span (1921-24) during which he swung this piece of lumber, the “Fordham Flash” batted .337 with an average of 200 hits, 115 runs, 83 RBI and 33 steals per season. He finished third in NL MVP voting in 1924 and runner-up in his first season in St. Louis in 1927, before taking home the honors in 1931 and guiding the Cardinals to a World Series title. Under the tutelage of the National League’s greatest skipper, Frisch learned the game masterfully and would employ McGraw’s wisdom as player/manager of the 1934 World Champion “Gas House Gang.”
The Spalding Autograph Model ash bat, measuring 34.5” long and weighing 38 ounces, remains un-cracked and shows evidence of outstanding use. Several ball marks, stitch impressions and cleat divots adorn the barrel. The handle was taped (8.25”) by Frankie to enhance his grip and this spiral pattern remains completely intact. The knob end has the circular The Spalding trademark is stamped into the knob end it. Frisch’s facsimile signature is cleanly burned into lower barrel. The bat has taken on a warm and attractive dark tone with age. One of the finest pre-war bats available with significant game use from Hall of Famer beloved among Cards and Giants fans. Includes LOA from John Taube of PSA/DNA with a GU 8.5 grade.