This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/26/2015
Ty Cobb's playing style cannot be summed up in one word, but if we had to choose one, it would be nothing other than "ferocious." The Georgia Peach would grace the diamond for over 20 years, amassing over 4000 hits (first in MLB History) & an incredible .366 lifetime batting average (highest in MLB history). Towards the beginning of his career, Cobb would sign a contract with Louisville Slugger on October 13th, 1908, a relationship that lasted until his last game in 1928. Despite the long relationship, Cobb was very picky with his sticks. In Cobb's biography “My Life in Baseball by Ty Cobb with Al Stump”, he replies to J. Frederick Hillerich’s modest offer of $75.00 for him to use Louisville Slugger bats with a negotiation, something Hillerich didn't encounter often. Cobb states, “I’ll give you my name for nothing if you provide me with selected bats. I want you to agree to set aside the best wood that comes into your plant.” Offered here is one of those incredible specimens that was placed aside specifically for the George Peach to take up to the plate and intimidate the opposition between 1921-28. Most likely ordered & used during the 1923-25 era, Cobb would place two special orders with Louisville Slugger on both May 5th, 1924 & May 29th, 1925 for heavier bats. This stunning 34 7/8" white ash weapon weighing in at 42 ounces most likely served as Cobb's stick of choice when hitting for power, showing good use with ball marks evident along with Cobbs patented spike marks. A true centerpiece item for any Cobb collector, hitting all of the characteristics looked for in these early model bats, with the professionals at MEARS authentication giving the item a solid 7.5 overall rating.