This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/2/2012
Ozzie Smith began his big league career in 1978, after being called up by the Padres a mere 68 games into his first minor league season. He immediately demonstrated his glove wizardry, while batting a respectable .258. The finest defensive shortstop ever to play the game, Ozzie worked hard through the years to eventually develop an offensive potency to compliment his unrivaled defensive skill. Here offered is a Hillerich & Bradsby "C271" signature model bat employed by Smith during his 1978 rookie campaign as a San Diego Padre. This 34", 30-oz. white ash weapon exhibits outstanding use including numerous ball and stitch marks throughout the barrel, rack marks, and a heavy coat of pine tar on the uncracked handle. The item also features a cupped end and a black marker notation of Smith's number "1" appears on both the barrel end and on the knob. An early version of Ozzie’s autograph appears on the back of the barrel in dark black marker. Given its definitive rookie lineage and ideal usage traits, this is among the finest Ozzie gamers one could hope for.
Includes a LOA from John Taube of PSA/DNA (Graded GU10).