This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/1/2010
Carl Yastrzemski was already well-known by 1967, having made the American League All-Star team three times in his first six seasons, but that was the year that the Red Sox went from finishing ninth the year before to winning the American League pennant for the first time in 21 years. Yaz won not only MVP honors but achieved baseball’s most remarkable offensive feats, the Triple Crown after averaging .326 at the plate, driving in 121 runs, and leaving the yard 44 times. He is the last player to have accomplished that feat in either league and joined Ted Williams as the only Red Sox players to earn this recognition.
This 35 inch, 31.8 ounce Hillerich & Bradsby model W215 Carl Yastrzemski professional model bat is un-cracked and shows evidence of excellent use. Several ball marks and ball stitch impressions are visible on the right, front and back barrel. Cleat marks are visible on the back barrel. Also visible on the bat are blue and green bat rack streaks. The model number (W215) is stamped into the knob. The bat’s labeling dates from the period of 1965-68, however an affirmation in Carl Yastrzemski’s own hand and an accompanying letter of provenance from former major league player, manager and scout Sam Mele pinpoints the bats usage to Yaz’s historic Triple Crown season of 1967. Yastrzemski’s signature on the barrel is accompanied by his added inscription “My Game Bat 1967 Used in My Triple Crown Year” in black marker. Both the knob and top end of the barrel show evidence of repair. This bat is believed to be one of several bats that once comprised the banister of a stairway in Sam Mele's home. The bat was removed and mounting holes at both ends were repaired, however the model number remains unaffected and original. All things considered, this is among the most desirable Yaz gamers we’ve encountered, symbolizing his finest season as individual and one of the most memorable seasons in Red Sox history. Includes a letter of provenance from Sam Mele and LOAs from John Taube of PSA/DNA (Grade GU7.5). Autograph pre-certified by PSA/DNA.