This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/8/2018
Manufactured by the Zinn Beck Bat Co., this professional model "100" bat has "Type
Of Bat Used By Ty Cobb" stamped in block letters directly below the
center brand. Heavy use is evident along its entire length including
cleat marks, surface marks, grain swelling, and deadwood present
throughout. Zinn Bertram Beck spent parts of five years as a player in
the Major Leagues before retiring in 1918 to become a professional bat
maker, crafting bats for both major and minor league players. Based in
Greenville, South Carolina, Zinn Beck's small shop made custom bats for
many players, including Ty Cobb.
Presently, there is no evidence to
suggest that Zinn Beck bats (his was a small company) were ever
available for sale to the general public (no known advertisements,
catalogs, etc.). All of the existing side-written Zinn Beck bats match
the precise specifications of other known game bats used by that
respective player. That fact strongly suggests that all Zinn Beck bats
were made exclusively by custom order for professional use only by the
given player. Measuring 35 inches in length and weighing of 36 ounces,
this bat's specifications fall within the acceptable range for Cobb
gamers and the bat also features a hand-turned knob (indicating that
special care was taken when custom-making this bat). Research conducted
by MEARS has warranted the firm to conclude that this Zinn Beck 100
Diamond Ace professional model bat was used by Ty Cobb likely at the end
of his Hall of Fame career with the Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia
Athletics.
Includes LOA from MEARS.