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Buck Herzog's 1914 Engraved Presentation Bat

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Buck Herzog's 1914 Engraved Presentation Bat
Charles "Buck" Herzog was one of the most versatile major league ball players to play during the dead ball era. His 1,493 games were divided almost equally between second base, shortstop and third. He was a mainstay of John McGraw's pennant winning Giant teams from 1911 through 1913, perfectly representing McGraw's own tough personality. His 12 hits during the 1912 World Series was a big league record for more than a half century. Herzog expanded his repertoire even more when he was traded to Cincinnati in 1914 adding the duty of manager in addition to anchoring the infield at second base and terrorizing opponents on the base paths. This 32 1/2" pewter trophy bat was Buck's prized possession, and is engraved as follows: "Presented to Charles Lincoln Herzog Having the Greatest Number of Stolen Bases During the 1914 Season". This elegant Trophy Bat was manufactured by "Barker and Theiseus" and it was presented to Herzog as "Manager of the Cincinnati Baseball Club." The entirety of the inscription on the bat is encompassed by a finely engraved floral motif. The metal bat has a few scattered small dents, but none that drastically impair its overall display quality. A rare and significant presentation piece from the era of "small ball", when base running was among the most heralded aspects of the game.

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