Opening Day Auction Closing May 9th
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/10/2015
Hunter’s talent was so awe-inspiring that he went directly from high school to the major leagues. Hunter pitched for two of the most dominant teams and team owners of the 1970’s: Charlie Finley’s A’s and George Steinbrenner’s Yankees. This piece of lumber dates from Catfish’s years with the A’s when he won three World Championships. His 25 wins in 1974 earned him the Cy Young Award and cemented his reputation as the AL’s most dominant pitcher. After winning his third consecutive World Series in ’74, Hunter was declared a free agent and signed with Steinbrenner’s Yankees. The switch not only made Hunter the highest paid player in the game but also switched the AL’s power balance from Oakland to New York where he would win two more World Championships. Catfish’s Adirondack 155A bat is un-cracked and shows excellent use. There is some checking from ball contact on the back barrel that has been professionally repaired. Several ball marks stitch impressions are visible on the barrel and a light coat of pine tar is still evident on the handle. Model number “155A” is stamped into the bat’s knob end as is the weight “34 ½” hand written in black pen. “The “ER” in “HUNTER” has been repainted. A great looking bat from Catfish Hunter’s best seasons with the A’s. Letter of Authenticity E36224 from PSA/DNA.