Copied from my Ebay listing...
On April 14, 1929, the Royal Giants Rooters held a dinner in honor of John McGraw and the New York Giants. It is believed that upwards of 600 people were in attendance for the function to kick off the 1929 season. Examples of this bat may have been given to attendees as a souvenir of their attendance, but that is not known.
What is known is that very few examples of the presentation bat exist today. They do come up for sale at auction from time to time, and have sold for between $800 and $2,000.
What is also known is that almost none of the presentation bats also have an autograph of the great Hall of Fame Giants manager. But this one does.
In August of 2010, an example of this bat autographed by McGraw sold at auction for $8,365.
http://sports.ha.com/common/view_ite...4&Lot_No=80043
That example is cleaner than the one offered here, for the simple reason that the inscription and the original autograph have been traced over on this example. Nevertheless, the original autograph can still be seen, and James Spence and JSA has authenticated the autograph in its current state.
The special Spalding presentational bat has an etched inscription which reads "Loyal Giants Rooters Dinner to John J. McGraw and the 1929 Giants, New York, April 14th, 1929". The inscription written by John McGraw reads "To Jimmy Fitzpatrick John J McGraw".
This is a beautiful example of an impossibly rare autographed bat. Free Shipping on the item as well!
Asking $2,000 delivered.
Tom C
