Summer Premium and Catalog Auction July 31 & Aug 8
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/31/2015
On August 21, 1968, Hank Aaron and his Atlanta Braves faced the Cubs in an afternoon double header at Wrigley Field. Showing the form that would make him the most beloved of all Cubs Hall of Famers, Ernie Banks almost single-handedly sunk the Braves in the first game. Going 3 for 4, Banks connected for a second inning solo homer off Milt Pappas and then took Cecil Upshaw deep in the 7th for a 2 run homer. As Ernie Banks himself noted on the bat’s barrel, this bat was used to hit that second inning solo shot off Pappas. Hit deep to left field, it was Banks’ 24th of the season and the 466th of his career.
The Hillerich & Bradsby model S2 bat has been made to Banks’ specifications of 34.3 oz and 36 inch length. This corresponds with bats ordered by Banks during the 1965 to 1968 seasons. As befits the club of the most beloved slugger in Cubs history, Banks’ bat shows outstanding use. The back handle shows a slight crack and two mounting holes on the back barrel and lower handle which have been repaired. Several ball marks can be seen on its barrel along with Mr. Cub’s own cleat marks. The handle still exhibits a slight coat of Banks’ pine tar. The knob end has the model number “S2” stamped into the knob and his number “14” has been hand written in black marker. The bat’s weight of “35” has been written in pencil. Best of all, the Hall of Famer has signed the barrel between the center brand and stamped endorsement in black marker adding “#466 8/21/68”, the date he used this very bat to hit that homer off Milt Pappas. As most collectors know, game used bats belonging to members of the 500 Home Run Club are scarce. But to find one such as this, signed and documented to have been used to hit a particular number home run by the most popular player in Chicago Cubs history is truly extraordinary. Letter of Authenticity from bat experts PSA/DNA (I809993) who have examined this Hall of Fame-worthy bat and awarded it their grade of GU 9.5. JSA LOA for Banks Signature and Incription. Also comes with letter from Milt Pappas