This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/7/2021
After what was thought to be a career-ending arm injury during the 1950 All Star Game, Ted Williams rebounded in 1951, seemingly better than ever before. At the persistence of Red Sox owner Tom Yawkey, Williams struggled through constant pain and somehow managed to complete the 1951 season at .318 with 30 home runs - one of the most remarkable comebacks in baseball history. Then came the Marines. Williams spent 1952 and 1953 flying missions over North Korea, then promptly broke his collarbone during Spring Training in 1954. Once again, it was thought that Ted Williams' career was finished. And once again, Teddy Ballgame proved everyone wrong. The only thing that kept him from winning the 1954 batting crown was that, due to an abnormal number of walks - which did not at the time count as at-bats - he did not have the mandatory 400 at-bats to qualify. Offered here is a remarkable game used Hillerich & Bradsby W166 model bat dating from 1951-54 - perhaps the most challenging years of Williams' career. Time and time again, he proved he could overcome unprecedented obstacles and come back even better than before. The bat remains un-cracked and exhibits light use, with some ball marks and abrasions on the barrel. Ted's immortal number "9" has been handwritten on the knob in black paint. This is the first playing-era game used bat from the Splendid Splinter that we have ever offered - baseball collectors, take note! Accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA.