My Josh Gibson Bat at Cooperstown

[tippedfinger]

That bat is pretty awesome -- only other one I've ever seen is/was in Platt's collection (he owns Gibson's team jacket in the other thread). I think the Gibson family might have one remaining as well (they famously sold one a couple decades back to Topps that got chopped up. Pains me to write that.)

The Leonard Grays cap matches one I have in my collection.

[icollectDCsports]

Originally Posted by tippedfinger

That bat is pretty awesome -- only other one I've ever seen is/was in Platt's collection (he owns Gibson's team jacket in the other thread). I think the Gibson family might have one remaining as well (they famously sold one a couple decades back to Topps that got chopped up. Pains me to write that.)

The Leonard Grays cap matches one I have in my collection.

That’s a great cap. The Leonard cap in the HOF display really stood out to me because one of my great baseball thrills was meeting him in the ‘80s. What a thrill. So cool to see your Grays cap, too. Is the bat in your photo game used?

[tippedfinger]

Yes, the bat was Jasper Washington's, who played for some of the early Grays teams in the 20's / 30's.

[robw1959]

Originally Posted by icollectDCsports

That’s a great cap. The Leonard cap in the HOF display really stood out to me because one of my great baseball thrills was meeting him in the ‘80s. What a thrill. So cool to see your Grays cap, too. Is the bat in your photo game used?

If you're referring to the great Buck Leonard, I agree, although I probably didn't appreciate the thrill of getting to meet him as much as I should have. It was at Cooperstown during his inauguration in 1973, but I was just a 13-year-old kid at the time. I did get autographs of each of those guys on a ball, and then I played with the ball until they all faded away! What a dumb kid I was.

[icollectDCsports]

Originally Posted by robw1959

If you're referring to the great Buck Leonard, I agree, although I probably didn't appreciate the thrill of getting to meet him as much as I should have. It was at Cooperstown during his inauguration in 1973, but I was just a 13-year-old kid at the time. I did get autographs of each of those guys on a ball, and then I played with the ball until they all faded away! What a dumb kid I was.

At least you still have the great memories. He signed an index card for me. I do still have it.

[aljurgela]

Originally Posted by tippedfinger

That bat is pretty awesome -- only other one I've ever seen is/was in Platt's collection (he owns Gibson's team jacket in the other thread). I think the Gibson family might have one remaining as well (they famously sold one a couple decades back to Topps that got chopped up. Pains me to write that.)

The Leonard Grays cap matches one I have in my collection.

Very cool cap! Love it! There is so little stuff of these great Negro League times out there!

Al

[Snapolit1]

Amazing is the only word that comes to mind.

[icollectDCsports]

Originally Posted by aljurgela

Very cool cap! Love it! There is so little stuff of these great Negro League times out there!

Al

With respect to bats, my understanding is that there are so few we can confidently say are game used largely because only a small percentage of bats used in the Negro League were stamped with anything linking them to a player, team, or the league itself. At least that’s what I’ve been told.

[aljurgela]

Originally Posted by icollectDCsports

With respect to bats, my understanding is that there are so few we can confidently say are game used largely because only a small percentage of bats used in the Negro League were stamped with anything linking them to a player, team, or the league itself. At least that’s what I’ve been told.

And those that do exist generally only have Block lettering due to companies not being willing to make custom bats for the Negro Leaguers (with their signatures). Sad, actually. I have more than 10 bats and only 4 of then even have the block lettering. The PSA Letters on most of these bats are really interesting reads as well. Side-writing and factory records are key for these items.

All three of the bats that I have at Cooperstown (Gibson, Pete Hill and Martin DiHigo) all have block letters.

Al

[icollectDCsports]

Originally Posted by aljurgela

And those that do exist generally only have Block lettering due to companies not being willing to make custom bats for the Negro Leaguers (with their signatures). Sad, actually. I have more than 10 bats and only 4 of then even have the block lettering. The PSA Letters on most of these bats are really interesting reads as well. Side-writing and factory records are key for these items.

All three of the bats that I have at Cooperstown (Gibson, Pete Hill and Martin DiHigo) all have block letters.

Al

Very sad, indeed. And thanks for the additional info about these bats. I’ve always been curious about how many are out there that can be confidently authenticated. Makes sense that the side-writing and factory records would be critical for many that can be.

[jbsports33]

Thanks for sharing, outstanding contribution on your behalf to lend the HOF these items!

[bleeckerstreetcards]

Originally Posted by tippedfinger

I think the Gibson family might have one remaining as well (they famously sold one a couple decades back to Topps that got chopped up. Pains me to write that.)

I’m working on piecing that one back together. Jaw dropping stuff as always Al.










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[D. Bergin]

Very cool. I was there back in March. I took some pictures of the Negro League display but I don't see that one on my phone. I assume I saw it if it was on display at that time and just shook my head in amazement. Just so much stuff to get lost in, and you look like a weirdo if you take pictures of everything.

[accidental]

Originally Posted by tippedfinger

That bat is pretty awesome -- only other one I've ever seen is/was in Platt's collection (he owns Gibson's team jacket in the other thread). I think the Gibson family might have one remaining as well (they famously sold one a couple decades back to Topps that got chopped up. Pains me to write that.)

The Leonard Grays cap matches one I have in my collection.

What brand is the Homestead Grays cap? Do you have any additional pictures of the inside? Thanks!

[aljurgela]

Here is an article on the other bats

https://baseballhall.org/discover/ba...in-cooperstown

[mrozie21]

Very cool!!

[tippedfinger]

The Grays cap was manufactured by Wilson. I'll grab a photo of the inside and post.