October Legends Closing November 1
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/2/2014
The owner of eight National League batting titles, the late Tony Gwynn stands second only to Ty Cobb (12) and is tied with fellow Hall of Famer Honus Wagner in that category. Undoubtedly one of the greatest hitters the game has ever seen, Gwynn wrapped up the last of his batting crowns in 1997, when he hit a remarkable .372 for the Padres. This 1997 award was the very last one awarded to Gwynn. The most consistent hitter of the modern era, The Silver Bat Award is presented annually to the batting champions of the American and National Leagues. It is not uncommon for an additional award to be made on behalf of the team or the player to be used as a display piece or gifted to a friend or family member, as is the case with this award. The sterling-plated bat, weighing approximately 25 ounces and measuring 33 3/4 inches, features the engraving “BATTING CHAMPION 1997,” “NATIONAL LEAGUE” AND “B.A. .372” vertically across three lines at the center of the barrel. Gwynn’s signature is engraved at the head of the barrel, with the Louisville Slugger manufacturer markings fixated where the handle meets the barrel. The knob of the bat is engraved “LOUISVILLE SLUGGER” and “MADE IN U.S.A.”