This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/15/2008
He will always be "Mr. Cub," the most popular player the Cubs ever had. His sunny personality is legend, as is his refrain on a sunny day: "Let's play two!" The first black player on the Cubs, Banks came up as a shortstop, where he won consecutive MVP awards (1958-59), but actually played more games at first base. Like his contemporary, Hank Aaron, Banks didn't look like a typical slugger. He was slim, with powerful thighs, and he held his bat high, wiggling it nervously while waiting for the pitch. The look was deceiving at first, but 512 career homers later, no one questioned Banks' power hitting ability. Dating from the first of his back-to-back MVP seasons, this Hillerich & Bradsby (S2) Ernie Banks professional model bat was manufactured in 1958 and shows evidence of outstanding use with a handle crack. The barrel is covered with ball marks and ball stitch impressions. Also visible on the bat are green bat rack streaks and several dings and depressions on the left and back barrel. The handle had once been taped in a spiral pattern to enhance the grip, but the tape has been removed. The model number (S2) is stamped into the knob. Ernie Banks' signature and added inscription "512 HR'S" appears on the right barrel in black marker. Length: 35 inches. Weight: 31 ounces. LOA from PSA/DNA (Graded GU6).
5,000 USD - 7,000 USD