This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/21/2017
Please note that while there have been replicas of Tony Gwynn’s various silver bats seen in the marketplace, the offered bat is the original example that Gwynn received from MLB in honor of his winning the 1988 National League batting title.
As he did several times in his career, Tony Gwynn battled back from injury and low numbers to emerge the leagues batting champ at the end of the season. In 1988 Gwynn went from a .246 average in July all the way to a league leading .313. Gwynn’s Batting Champion trophy bat is sterling-plated, weights approximately 25 ounces and measures 33 3/4 inches. The barrel is engraved “BATTING CHAMPION 1988,” “NATIONAL LEAGUE” AND “B.A. .313” The bat is set up exactly like one of Gwynn’s signature models with his signature engraved on the barrel end and the Louisville Slugger center brand beyond the upper handle. The bat shows some very light abrasions from handling. A fitting award for a league-leading season. Further validating the historical importance of this item, in July, 2016 the National League announced that its annual batting championship award will be re-named in honor of the late Mr. Padre. Henceforth, the winner of the NL batting title will receive the Tony Gwynn Award.
Includes LOA from Alicia Gwynn.