Auction Item Details
Lot 234
LOADING IMAGES
Lot Number: 234
Description: Exceptional and scarce Johnny Bench rookie season professional model baseball bat (PSA GU 9). It was early of 1968 and a local Philadelphia area family attended a game at Connie Mack stadium with the Phillies hosting the Cincinnati Reds. The father of the family worked as a GM of local Chevrolet dealership and frequently received Phillies tickets which were located alongside of the visiting dugout. The Reds were showcasing a promising rookie catcher by the name of Johnny Bench. During the game, Bench broke his bat and it was retrieved to be given to the man's son who was around 8 years old at the time. The offered bat was retained by the young man and is now being presented to the public for the first time noted as one of the earliest documented game used bats from the greatest catcher in the history of the game. Adirondack model 302 bat measures 35 1/2" and weighs 32.4oz. Superb overall use is visible throughout including ball marks, stitching impressions, and heavy coat of pine tar in the handle. Tape residues from spiral application to the handle appear to have been applied over top of the pine tar likely to stabilize a crack which has now been professionally repaired. Model #220A stamped on knob end with "5" written in vintage black marker. Based on family history the most likely period of use by Bench would have been during a three game series from May 31st to June 2nd of1968 when the Reds were visiting the Phillies. Incredible Bench rookie season game bat ranking as one of the most notable of its type to have entered the marketplace. The bat has been assigned an elite level grade of "GU9" by PSA only held back from a perfect 10 by the repaired handle crack which allowed for it to be obtained by our consignor. Includes LOA from PSA (GU 9) and letter of provenance from the original recipient: EXEstimated Price Range: ($15,000-$25,000)
Sold for Price: Login or Register