Auction Item Details
Lot 68
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Lot Number: 68
Description: Fine Napoleon Lajoie professional model baseball bat c.1917-21. Rare and desirable bat dating to the period just after Lajoie's storied Major League career ended after (21) years of play. From 1896 to 1916 he was a mainstay in the game earning (5) American League batting titles, impressive when considering that his competition included Ty Cobb whom collected (9) in the same span, and a Triple Crown in 1901. In 1917 he signed on with the International League Toronto Maple Leafs as player-Manager and won the batting title at age (42) with the club ultimately claiming the League Championship. He later signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers, though never played, and did take the field with the American Association Indianapolis Indians. In 1918 he officialy retired from baseball and was Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1937. Hand turned Louisville Slugger 125 model bat with dash-dot-dash centerbrand with Lajoie facsimile signature burned into the barrel measures 34" long and weighs 38.2oz. Uncracked with usage wear evident throughout including ball and contact marks. The bat allegedly originated from the personal collection of former Cleveland Indians outfielder, Elmer Smith. Professional model Lajoie game bats are essentially non-existent with the offered being a rare and desirable specimen not previously having been offered. Includes LOA from Hunt Auctions: EXEstimated Price Range: ($10,000-$20,000)
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