This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/20/2012
"A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives." Jackie Robinson once said. By that standard, few people -- and no athlete -- this century has impacted more lives. Robinson lit the torch of racial equality in sports and passed it on to several generations of African-American athletes. Three years removed from breaking major league baseball’s color barrier, Robinson appeared in his second major league All-Star Game for which the offered bat was produced. This 1950 All-Star Game bat is one of only twelve All-Star Game bats manufactured for Robinson during his ten year Major League career. Robinson was elected to the National League All Star Team for six consecutive seasons beginning with his 1949 MVP season thru 1954. For each of his six All-Star Games, Robinson received two bats from Hillerich & Bradsby for use in the Mid Summer Classic. As with many of the players elected to the All Star Team, this rare and special bat was kept by Robinson as a memento of his All-Star Team selection. The bat was proudly displayed in the Robinson home from its acquisition in 1950 until its initial sale by Rachel Robinson. The original letter of provenance from Rachel has been misplaced, however a copy is included. This 35-inch, 34.9 ounce Hillerich & Bradsby model S100 Jackie Robinson professional model bat is un-cracked and exhibits no evidence of game use, though some marks are visible on the barrel from general handling. Water staining is visible on the back handle, but the overall presentation quality is outstanding. The model number (S 100) is stamped into the knob and the number '3' is written on the knob in pencil. This is an exceptional piece of All Star Game history from the most iconic figure in the history of the game.
Includes a LOA from John Taube of PSA/DNA and a copy of a letter of provenance from Rachel Robinson.