This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/5/2023
In 1960, Major League Baseball played two All-Star Games, one on July 11th at Municipal Stadium in Kansas City and another on July 13th at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. It was the second of four straight seasons in which two Midsummer Classics were held. Yankee greats Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, and Bill Skowron started for the American League in both games, while Whitey Ford suited up as the starting pitcher for the Junior Circuit in the second game in front of his home crowd.
Presented here is one of two signature model Hillerich & Bradsby B211 bats manufactured for the great Yogi Berra for the two All-Star Games in 1960. As a three-time American League MVP, ten-time World Series Champion and first-ballot Hall of Famer, high-end offerings of Yogi Berra’s game used gear will always garner significant interest. Bat expert John Taube of PSA/DNA characterizes the use on this Berra stick as "excellent," referencing ball marks, stitch impressions, and light pine tar on the uncracked handle. The ash bat measures 35" in length and weighs 34.5 ounces. The model "B211" is stamped into the knob with Berra's iconic No. "8" marked in black pen. It was common practice for All-Stars to continue using their ASG bats when the regular season reconvened after the break, and the LOA suggests it is likely Berra added this one to his pennant-winning arsenal.
Adding to the significance of this special bat, which happens to be featured in renowned hobbyist Joe Orlando's Legendary Lumber book, is a perfect 10/10 black sharpie signature from Berra next to his branded facsimile on the barrel. The bat itself also received a perfect GU 10 grade, making it one of only four Berra GU 10 bats from his entire career in the PSA/DNA bat population. Comes with full LOAs from PSA/DNA (GU 10) and Beckett (Auto Grade 10). Additional LOA from PSA/DNA for the autograph as well.
This lot has a Reserve Price that has not been met.