Does this 1888 bat exist?

[orator1]

In 1888 New York Giants manager Mutrie said:

"I am deputized by the Evening World to present to the club which I represent, these testimonial bats. As you perhaps know they were procured by a popular subscription through the Evening World as a token of the appreciation felt by the lovers of the national game for the splendid work done by the New York Club during the present season."

Bats were awarded to each man on the roster. Above the handle a gilded disk was inscribed with the name of the Giant who would swing it. 1,000 fans had donated to the fund.

Have any of these bats survived...any photos exist?

[GaryPassamonte]

It's been a while, Paul. I've never seen a reference to these bats. It will be interesting to see is anyone has any information.

[orator1]

Hi Gary, below is the article that describes the 1888 NY Giants trophy bats.

Eighteen bats were made "as to weight according to the individual preferences of the ball-players", one for each player "under contract with the team at present."

"They are made of the best second-growth ash, and one of the sort known as the Spalding wagon tongue."

"Just above the handle of each bat, across a gilded disk, is inscribed the name of the Giant who will handle it."

They are described as "the finest specimens of serviceable, as well as ornamental, bat sticks ever seen on the diamond."

They came with a "handsome bat-bag made of the finest embossed leather in the market," with an inscription on a plate of silver:

"Presented to the Giants through THE EVENING WORLD, From 1,000 Admirers, 1888."

It would be amazing to see one of these personalized bats and bat bags - if any survived to the present day.

Giant players receiving bats, and their bat weight:

42 ounces
Jim O'Rourke
Roger Connor

40 ounces
Bill Brown
Buck Ewing

38 ounces
John Montgomery Ward
Mike Tiernan
George Gore

37 ounces
Danny Richardson
Gil Hatfield
Tim Keefe
George 'Stump' Weidman
Pat Murphy

36 ounces
Mike Slattery
Elmer Foster
Arthur Whitney

34 ounces
Ed Crane
Mickey Welch
Ledell Titcomb

October 2, 1888, Evening World (NY)

[Joe_G.]

Thanks Paul, very interesting! One would think an example could have survived.