FALL 2012 Auction

Besides being one of the most important athletes of the 20th Century for his stand against baseball's reserve clause, and besides the fact that he paved the way for professional athletes of today, and besides the fact that he paid for his cause with his professional career, what is often overlooked is that Curt Flood was one of the great players of his time. Flood helped guide the Cardinals to three National League pennants in the 1960's and batted .293 for his career with seven Gold Glove Awards. Offered is Flood’s 34 inch H&B 'K48' signature model bat, produced during the 1961 to 1964 manufacturing era. The bat is comprised of high-grade ash, and displays nice manufacturer's stampings throughout including Flood's facsimile signature burned boldly into the barrel. The repaired crack along the handle is virtually undetectable. It exhibits light to moderate game use including ball marks, grain swelling and light rack marks on the barrel. Flood's uniform number “21” is written on the knob in black marker. Curt Flood bats are generally considered rare, and this is a highly attractive example from a significant period in his career.