Auction Item Details
Lot 365
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Lot Number: 365
Description: Roger Maris professional model baseball bat c.1961. The New York Yankees headed into the 1961 season as reigning American League Champions. Roger Maris joined perennial All-Star Mickey Mantle on their roster the previous year. Together they had lead the League in homeruns with Mick's (40) edging out Maris' (39). Early in 1961 a reporter asked Maris if he thought that anybody would make a run at Babe Ruth's (34) year old single-season homerun record. "Nobody will touch it" he said, "it's a rare year when anybody hits 50 homers, let alone 60." By mid-season in 1961 it became obvious that both had a shot at doing just that and on the very last day of the season Maris hit his 61st. It became a legendary record and was one of the most revered in all of sports until it fell (38) years later. The season had propelled Maris into the ranks of baseball royalty. Louisville Slugger 125 baseball bat can be traced to a specific order of "O16" model bats which left the factory in March of 1961. It was the only time during the use of the particular labeling period displayed on this bat (1961-64) that he ordered these. Bat measures 35" long and weighs 34.25oz with "Roger Maris" facsimile signature burned into barrel and "O16" stamped in knob end. Moderate use evident throughout inclusive of ball transfer, stitch, and cleat marks and grain separation to reverse barrel. Small "H" shaped crack in handle end measures approximately 3" long. Includes LOAs from Hunt Auctions, PSA/DNA, and MEARS (graded A7) (auth. stickers affixed to both ends): EXEstimated Price Range: ($5,000-$7,500)