This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2014
The 1970 Baltimore Orioles were one of the greatest teams of all time. They won 108 games, finished 15 games ahead of the runner-up New York Yankees, swept the Minnesota Twins in the playoffs and beat the Cincinnati Reds in the World Series. Manager Earl Weaver was blessed with a pitching staff that featured three 20-plus game winners in Jim Palmer, Dave McNally and Mike Cuellar. Their offensive lineup was equally stacked. The immortal Frank Robinson was the Orioles' only .300 hitter that season and (AL MVP) Boog Powell led the power assault with 35 home runs and 114 RBIs. Paul Blair, a mainstay at the top of the order, batted .474 with nine hits in the Orioles' 1970 World Series victory over the Cincinnati Reds and might have been the Series MVP if it weren't for the amazing play of Brooks Robinson.
Presented here is an outstanding 1970 Paul Blair game used bat. Its labeling dates to the 1969-72 period, however the bat can be pinpointed to having been used in 1970 based on an accompanying LOA from a New York Yankees batboy who acquired it in that season. Blair’s Hillerich & Bradsby Louisville Slugger Professional Signature Model B267 game used bat, crafted from flame burned ash, is 35 inches long and weighs 34.6 ounces. B267 is stamped on the knob. The bat displays excellent use. A handle crack and water stain on top barrel have both been repaired making for outstanding display quality. Slight grain swelling from repeated ball contact visible on back barrel.
A fine gamer from the popular and underrated Paul Blair from one of the most celebrated seasons in Baltimore Orioles history.
LOA from the 1970 New York Yankees visiting team bat boy. Additional LOA from PSA/DNA (Vince Malta/John Taube).