Bats

[Case12]

Hi all. I found a bat finally, with the help of several Net 54 members. It is a pro 1916-1933 H&B, game used. Key Man Collectibles was invaluable for me getting the dating right (in this case the trademark lettering and position). I got it on eBay for $90 listed as a 1920's bat. Didn't even haggle...it just had the right vibe.
The name branded on barrell is Tillman. I searched and found John "Ducky" Tillman, the only Tillman in the time frame. - a pitcher who batted R&L. He played and managed for lots of Minor League teams for 19 years (figured all this from SABR, Baseball Reference, Wikipedia and Oracle). First team was New England Whalers. Even cooler, is that he was brought up to the Major Leagues for 2 games with the Saint Louis Browns in 1915. Even, more cool is that notations show he rotated in to pitch, and George Sisler moved to the outfield. With a few other notations I found, the dating he could have used this bat was likely 1921-1929 ish. So, it best appears it is a game used pro bat from the 20's.
A couple other interesting things- there are a couple nails holding a grain split (hardly noticable unless you were looking) and taped handle.
And, I can't understand this, the bat appears to have been corked. I studied this and there are bats from 20's corked, but rare. I read even Ruth used glued mixed wood shavings in some of his bats (eventually ruled illegal).
If anyone has thoughts on this mystery I would really appreciate it!!!!
Below are pictures - got the bat today - my vibe was correct. It looks and feels awesome.
BTW, if I am off base on any of this, please feel free to correct me. I did my homework, but you guys are the experts. You will not hurt my feelings if I got any, or all, wrong. I still love it. Thank you so much all NET54 members who got involved with me on this little project. It was a really fun experience. (Now, I have the itch for a bottle bat and I know just the NET54 member who has one...just need to save some more dough).
Blessings, Casey

[JoeDfan]

AWESOME bat! Congrats!!!

That is a beautiful pickup.

Is there anything on the knob?

[Case12]

Here is a pic of the knob. I guess the answer is no? Just a nail. Does that mean anything? Btw, I did just measure the bat. 35 inches even. Thanks!

[JoeDfan]

The stamping on the knob can be very meaningful.

In any event, I think you have a great pickup!

[Case12]

Are you perhaps referring to vault numbers? Also curious - why would someone put a nail in the knob?

[JoeDfan]

Some (not all) pro model bats can be distinguished by a model number on the knob, or the presence/absence of inch notations or whatnot. It varies by era, manufacturer, etc.

If you just plan on collecting this one bat, you are all set, you know what it is.

But, if like me, you start to become addicted to collecting bats, do your research and start learning everything you can about them. The smallest detail can be the difference between a real gamer, and a store model.

There is a great book by Vince Malta on Louisville Slugger bats; if you turn into a bat collector, this is a MUST have, along with a few others.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by JoeDfan

Some (not all) pro model bats can be distinguished by a model number on the knob, or the presence/absence of inch notations or whatnot. It varies by era, manufacturer, etc.

If you just plan on collecting this one bat, you are all set, you know what it is.

But, if like me, you start to become addicted to collecting bats, do your research and start learning everything you can about them. The smallest detail can be the difference between a real gamer, and a store model.

There is a great book by Vince Malta on Louisville Slugger bats; if you turn into a bat collector, this is a MUST have, along with a few others.

He knows what he is talking about. I wanted one Wade Boggs bat. After being friends with Sean for some time I now have 21 bats in my collection. I wouldn't call it addiction, more habit forming.

I have never got a bat and started shaking wanting another instantly. I have never decided buying bats was more important than living in a house. I have never went to buy a bat and woke up 3 days later in a Piggly Wiggly with a black eye and a sore ass clutching a bat. Now that would be addiction.