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 1997 National League batting title.
Along with career highs in home runs (19) and RBI (119) in 1997, Tony Gwynn also won his eighth Batting Championship. This put him only second to the great Ty Cobb in batting titles and a sure-lock on a plaque in Cooperstown. The sterling-plated Batting Champion trophy bat weights approximately 25 ounces and measures 33 3/4 inches. The barrel is engraved “BATTING CHAMPION 1997,” “NATIONAL LEAGUE” AND “B.A. .372” 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 knob is engraved with “LOUISVILLE SLUGGER MADE IN USA”. The bat shows some light abrasions from handling and the plating has tarnished with age. 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.