This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/2/2012
This well used Ty Cobb professional game model Louisville Slugger bat measures 34 inches and weighs 38 oz. It dates to the heart of Cobb’s reign as the most feared batsman in the game and shows considerable evidence of the havoc he wrought on opposing American League pitchers. This 40K signature model bat features H&B’s “dash-dot-dash” centerbrand and adjacent patented Kork Grip stamping. With a patent date of 1914 on the barrel, in addition to photographic evidence and a comparison to like Cobb bats that have entered the hobby, MEARS confidently states that Ty Cobb did indeed use the 40K Kork Grip during the 1914-16 era. In fact, in the December 1913 issue of the Sporting News they make mention of the fact that "the Detroit star has evolved a cork handle for the bat". Essentially giving credit to Ty Cobb for this invention. The bat exhibits signs of heavy game use including deeply embedded, ball marks, stitch marks and cleat marks. The handle shows evidence of handle tape, a distinctive Cobb trademark, having been removed. A crack to the handle has been professionally repaired. A few dark marks appear on the barrel near the barrel stampings, however the bat retains excellent display aesthetics. Given the magnitude of Cobb’s stature among the greatest players in baseball history, this bat represents a great opportunity to add a cornerstone piece to any significant bat collection.
Includes a LOA from MEARS (Graded A7).