Lot 106 email save

Only Known Walter Johnson H&B 1921-31 Script Signa

Sign In to see what this sold for

Only Known Walter Johnson H&B 1921-31 Script Signature Game Bat
Kansas-born Walter Johnson was the AL's premier pitcher in his day, although he played the whole of his career for the lowly Senators. In 21 seasons he won 416 games, amassing a record 110 shutouts and 38 victories in 1-0 games. In the days before electronic speed guns, Johnson was believed to throw the fastest ball in the game, forcing the coined explanation "you can't hit what you can't see" from more than one opponent. Johnson's own experience and adeptness in the batter's box may have garnered little sympathy for those he faced on the mound. Though justifiably overshadowed by his pitching prowess, Johnson was known as the best hitting pitcher of his era. He was so effective with the bat that the Senators frequently called upon him to pinch hit. The "Big Train" clouted 21 homers during his storied career and in 1925 he batted .433, the highest average ever attained by any pitcher.

Game used bats from pitchers are understandably rare, particularly from the pre-war era. Pitchers typically placed only sparse orders for bats, and those few that were ordered generally lasted much longer than those used by their slugging contemporaries. This is the only known example of a Walter Johnson H&B "script signature" game bat, and one of only two known Walter Johnson game bats period (the other is a "block letter"). Hand turned by H&B, its labeling dates the bat to the 1920's. Heavy use is apparent including grain swelling, stitch marks, slight dead wood and cleat marks on the barrel. Strong manufacturer's markings include Walter Johnson's facsimile signature on the barrel, a trait unseen on any other game model bat. Measuring 34 3/4" and weighing 38.9 ozs., it remains uncracked with ideal display quality. To the left of the centerbrand, a small degree of restoration was performed to eliminate some initials that were carved into the barrel.

This extraordinary Walter Johnson game bat has never before been offered publicly, having long resided in the collection of Allan Schwartz just outside of the Nation's Capital. LOA from MEARS (A8).

Property Of: Property from the Collection of Allan Schwartz

View Sotheby's New York next auction.

Similar lots up for auction