Category

ADDENDUM: Kurowski bat is player/coach transitional era with post-1949 labeling.

Terrific trio of 1940's St. Louis Cardinals game used bats swung by three important players from a triumphant era of Redbirds baseball. The first bat in this group is a Marty Marion H&B Louisville Slugger H143 pro model measuring 34.5" and weighing 33.4 oz. that dates to the 1943-49 period. The 7-time All-Star shortstop was a fixture for the Cards up the middle for the entire 1940's decade, winning NL MVP honors in 1944. It shows moderate game usage and is also un-cracked. Second up is a Harry Walker H&B Louisville Slugger H117 pro model that dates to the 1943-47 period when he patrolled centerfield for the Redbirds. Walker won the NL batting title in '47 with a .363 average. The un-cracked, two-toned bat weighs a hefty 38.2 oz. and measures 36" long. It shows moderate and even usage throughout. As fate would have it, both Marion and Walker would manage the Cardinals briefly after their playing careers.

Third up is third baseman George "Whitey" Kurowski bat that dates to circa 1950 based on the H&B trademark labeling ("Reg. U.S. Pat. Off" and "Powerized". By that point he had transitioned as a coach for the Cards following a fine nine-year playing career (1941-49). The 4-time All-Star and Stan Musial were each called up at the tail end of the ’41 season and quickly established themselves as key cogs in the team's four NL pennants and three World Championships in six years. The 34.5", 34.7-oz. Hillerich & Bradsby Louisville Slugger M117 pro model remains un-cracked and shows extensive use with ball marks on the barrel and a deep cleat mark under Kurowski's burned in name. Nice transitional era bat that was most likely used in Spring Training of '50 before Whitey ultimately decided to hang 'em up due to arm/elbow problems.

All three bats have small pinholes drilled into the knob end from how they were once mounted and displayed. These little holes obscure part of the model number stamped into the knobs, but do not detract at all from the striking visual attractiveness of these vintage gamers. A great collection representing three major contributors to the Cardinals pennant-winning machine of the 1940’s. Includes letter of provenance from the family of the St. Louis Cardinals' team dentist in the 1940's and 50's.