This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/1/2010
Never before offered publicly and originating directly from the family of a former New York Giants employee, we are pleased to present this exemplary Mel Ott gamer. The 35 inch, 32 ounce Hillerich & Bradsby signature model bat is un-cracked and shows evidence of heavy use. Many ball marks and ball stitch impressions are visible on the left and back barrel. Red bat rack streaks are visible on the right, front and back barrel. The handle has been lightly scored to enhance the grip and there is a light coat of pine tar on the lower handle. The light scoring on the handle of this Mel Ott professional model bat is a documented and desirable Ott characteristic. Originally obtained by a former Giants locker room attendant, the bat has descended within his family and is accompanied by a detailed family letter of provenance that firmly establishes a lineage to the New York Giants Hall of Famer.
A prolific home run hitter, Mel Ott was a 6-time NL home run leader, in 1932, 1934, 1936-38, and 1942. He was both the youngest player to hit 100 home runs and the first National Leaguer to hit 500 home runs. He passed Rogers Hornsby to become the all-time NL home run leader in 1937 and held that title until Willie Mays passed him in 1966. He also holds the major league record for leading his team in home runs, 18 consecutive years from 1928 to 1945. Because of the modern free agency era, this record might never be broken. High-end bat collectors in pursuit of examples used by all of the 500 home run club members, have always had a difficult challenge with Ott. Premium examples such as this one are rarely seen in the marketplace. Includes LOA from John Taube of PSA/DNA (Grade GU9).