This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/21/2014
Quite possibly the best pure hitter in baseball history not named Cobb, "The Grey Eagle" Tris Speaker boasts a lifetime .345 batting average and is still the all-time leader with 792 career doubles. The featured bat is a Model 40K Louisville Slugger that was manufactured during the 1920-1928 period of Speaker’s career. Created by Ty Cobb, the 40K "Kork Grip" bat was designed to offer an improved grip and absorb some of the "sting," which was advantageous since batting gloves had not yet been invented. Besides Cobb and Speaker, Joe Jackson, Honus Wagner and even Babe Ruth tinkered with the 40K for a while during their careers.The length and weight (36 in. and 37 oz.) is consistent with the time period and the hand turned knob matches professional model bats of the era. The Louisville Slugger, Kork Grip and Speaker signature stamping are also consistent with a genuine 1920s gamer. Heavy use is exhibited though there is considerable wear to the barrel with some "dead wood" on the reverse. A truly historic piece of baseball history that belonged to one of its greatest legends! Accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from game used bat authority Troy Kinunen/MEARS.