My Josh Gibson Bat at Cooperstown

[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!