| Johnny Evers |
| 1914-19 Draper & Maynard Johnny Evers Model No. 10 |
I have to admit that this isn't a recent article that is hot off the press. I originally put
this piece together a year ago, in August 2007, when I was getting ready to sell.
This amazing piece of baseball history is likely a one of a kind item worthy of the finest
collection of vintage bats. To the best of my knowledge, this is the only known
example of a John J. Evers signature model bat, likely made for professional use. To
say that it is beyond rare is a complete understatement. To date, I’ve only seen one
other signature model D&M bat and it was a Fred Luderus Model No. 99 from the same
era.
Although little is known about the bats that were used by baseball Hall of Famer
Johnny Evers during the early part of the 20th century, what is known is enough to
make a pretty strong case that it was used by him as a player with the Boston Braves
circa 1914-1919.
The points used to show cause for this case are:
Point 1 – Dimensions
Point 2 – Professional Grain/Other Physical Characteristics
Point 3 – Hand-Turned Knob
Point 4 – Center Brand Logo Matching
Point 5 – Catalog Evidence/Company Endorsement
Point 6 – Player Attributes
Point 7 - Existence of Standard Length, Non-Player Endorsed D&M No. 10 Bat(s)
Point 8 – Existence of Another D&M Player Endorsed Bat
Summary
Point 1 – Dimensions
The length and weight of the offered Draper & Maynard example very closely resemble
the few existing Hillerich & Bradsby examples. I can’t believe that a bat of an odd
length like this would be offered as a retail item. Also, a bat that measures less than 33”
in length should almost be considered a “youth” model. However, the 38 oz weight
makes this highly unlikely, as most youths would find it difficult and impractical to
swing a 40 oz bat.
Johnny Evers D&M example: 32.6875” – 38 oz
Johnny Evers H&B Index length: 32.5”
Johnny Evers Mears A10: 32.25” – 37.7 oz
Johnny Evers 1922 H&B: 32.5” – 37 oz
The rarity of Evers’ bats makes length comparison somewhat difficult. However, it can
still be shown that there is a very close similarity in length and weight between the
known authenticated examples and the examined Draper & Maynard bat. Length is
consistently between 32”-33” and weight is normally between 37 and 39 oz.
Additionally, I expect that a bat offered in a retail setting would have a more typical
length of 33”, 34”, or 35”.
this piece together a year ago, in August 2007, when I was getting ready to sell.
This amazing piece of baseball history is likely a one of a kind item worthy of the finest
collection of vintage bats. To the best of my knowledge, this is the only known
example of a John J. Evers signature model bat, likely made for professional use. To
say that it is beyond rare is a complete understatement. To date, I’ve only seen one
other signature model D&M bat and it was a Fred Luderus Model No. 99 from the same
era.
Although little is known about the bats that were used by baseball Hall of Famer
Johnny Evers during the early part of the 20th century, what is known is enough to
make a pretty strong case that it was used by him as a player with the Boston Braves
circa 1914-1919.
The points used to show cause for this case are:
Point 1 – Dimensions
Point 2 – Professional Grain/Other Physical Characteristics
Point 3 – Hand-Turned Knob
Point 4 – Center Brand Logo Matching
Point 5 – Catalog Evidence/Company Endorsement
Point 6 – Player Attributes
Point 7 - Existence of Standard Length, Non-Player Endorsed D&M No. 10 Bat(s)
Point 8 – Existence of Another D&M Player Endorsed Bat
Summary
Point 1 – Dimensions
The length and weight of the offered Draper & Maynard example very closely resemble
the few existing Hillerich & Bradsby examples. I can’t believe that a bat of an odd
length like this would be offered as a retail item. Also, a bat that measures less than 33”
in length should almost be considered a “youth” model. However, the 38 oz weight
makes this highly unlikely, as most youths would find it difficult and impractical to
swing a 40 oz bat.
Johnny Evers D&M example: 32.6875” – 38 oz
Johnny Evers H&B Index length: 32.5”
Johnny Evers Mears A10: 32.25” – 37.7 oz
Johnny Evers 1922 H&B: 32.5” – 37 oz
The rarity of Evers’ bats makes length comparison somewhat difficult. However, it can
still be shown that there is a very close similarity in length and weight between the
known authenticated examples and the examined Draper & Maynard bat. Length is
consistently between 32”-33” and weight is normally between 37 and 39 oz.
Additionally, I expect that a bat offered in a retail setting would have a more typical
length of 33”, 34”, or 35”.
Point 6 – Player Attributes/Use Characteristics
Images of Johnny Evers taken throughout his career appear to show him with a short
bat with a thick handle. It is also noted in photographs that he seemed to be using bats
that in some cases have tape on the handle.
Located on the side of the knob is a small vintage carving that could possibly be an E,
W, M, or 3. The meaning of the carving is not known, and while it is pure speculation,
could this carving be a letter ‘E’ standing for Evers used for quick identification?
With regard to player use characteristics, it is worth noting that Johnny Evers was a
left-handed batter. The visible use on this bat is predominantly located on the right
barrel, which would be correct for a left-handed hitter.
While not visible in this image, it appears that there are several possible stitch marks
on the barrel side shown above. Stitch marks like this are difficult to duplicate.
Images of Johnny Evers taken throughout his career appear to show him with a short
bat with a thick handle. It is also noted in photographs that he seemed to be using bats
that in some cases have tape on the handle.
Located on the side of the knob is a small vintage carving that could possibly be an E,
W, M, or 3. The meaning of the carving is not known, and while it is pure speculation,
could this carving be a letter ‘E’ standing for Evers used for quick identification?
With regard to player use characteristics, it is worth noting that Johnny Evers was a
left-handed batter. The visible use on this bat is predominantly located on the right
barrel, which would be correct for a left-handed hitter.
While not visible in this image, it appears that there are several possible stitch marks
on the barrel side shown above. Stitch marks like this are difficult to duplicate.
Point 2 – Professional Grain/Other Physical Characteristics
In the early stages of my research on this bat I contacted noted bat expert Mike Specht.
Mike noted that this bat appeared to have professional grade (straight, not waved) grain
and that the end of the bat appeared to have a ‘squared, slightly rounded end’ as
specified in his H&B record.
In the early stages of my research on this bat I contacted noted bat expert Mike Specht.
Mike noted that this bat appeared to have professional grade (straight, not waved) grain
and that the end of the bat appeared to have a ‘squared, slightly rounded end’ as
specified in his H&B record.
Point 3 – Hand-Turned Knob
Upon review of some of the ‘off-brand’ bats that have been graded as “professional
models” by MEARS, it seems that one of the major requirements for a bat to have been
made for professional use is that it have a hand-turned knob. By ‘off-brand bats’ I mean
to include any bats that are hand-turned and are not Hillerich & Bradsby 125 models.
This includes H&B 250 and 40k, Pontiac, Spalding, Krens Special, Reach, Zinn-Beck,
and Hanna-Batrite.
In the simplest terms, this means that the ends of the bat have been rasped by hand to
achieve a specific weight as requested by the professional player. The rasp marks on
both ends of the bat are normally still visible and will run in different directions than
the grain. They appear as a series of small scratches in the center of the knob and end.
This also means that the knob will normally be missing any factory stamping, for
example, a Spalding Logo.
Upon review of some of the ‘off-brand’ bats that have been graded as “professional
models” by MEARS, it seems that one of the major requirements for a bat to have been
made for professional use is that it have a hand-turned knob. By ‘off-brand bats’ I mean
to include any bats that are hand-turned and are not Hillerich & Bradsby 125 models.
This includes H&B 250 and 40k, Pontiac, Spalding, Krens Special, Reach, Zinn-Beck,
and Hanna-Batrite.
In the simplest terms, this means that the ends of the bat have been rasped by hand to
achieve a specific weight as requested by the professional player. The rasp marks on
both ends of the bat are normally still visible and will run in different directions than
the grain. They appear as a series of small scratches in the center of the knob and end.
This also means that the knob will normally be missing any factory stamping, for
example, a Spalding Logo.
Point 4 – Logo Matching
I’ve also extensively researched the history and differences in the D&M “lucky dog”
logo. I’ve learned that there are some very subtle differences in both the dog, the
lettering, and the ‘&’. While I don’t have any definitive timelines for each difference I
feel quite comfortable dating this bat to circa 1914-1917, which encompasses Evers’
career as a player for the Boston Braves.
Evers Bat 1913 Logo
Notice the similarities in the styling of the ‘&’ in the logo.
The words “Sporting Goods” were added to the D&M logo on bats sometime in the early
1920s. I’ve seen side-written examples of the ‘Major League Special’ line of bats which
were returned to the factory in the late 1920s which feature a logo similar to the No.
100 from 1927 shown below.
Evers Bat 1927 Side-written Bat
The side-written examples featured the additional lettering below the logo as shown.
I’ve also extensively researched the history and differences in the D&M “lucky dog”
logo. I’ve learned that there are some very subtle differences in both the dog, the
lettering, and the ‘&’. While I don’t have any definitive timelines for each difference I
feel quite comfortable dating this bat to circa 1914-1917, which encompasses Evers’
career as a player for the Boston Braves.
Evers Bat 1913 Logo
Notice the similarities in the styling of the ‘&’ in the logo.
The words “Sporting Goods” were added to the D&M logo on bats sometime in the early
1920s. I’ve seen side-written examples of the ‘Major League Special’ line of bats which
were returned to the factory in the late 1920s which feature a logo similar to the No.
100 from 1927 shown below.
Evers Bat 1927 Side-written Bat
The side-written examples featured the additional lettering below the logo as shown.
Point 5 – Catalog Evidence/Company Endorsement
While it is known that Evers was not an endorser of Hillerich & Bradsby bats as shown
by the H&B examples all being block letter last name only, Johnny Evers did become
an endorser of Draper & Maynard products around 1917, which is smack in the middle
of his years with the Boston Braves. His move from the Midwest to the northeast would
have made it much easier for his business relationship with D&M to flourish and would
likely have allowed him to expand his endorsements with the company.
While it is understood with Hillerich & Bradsby bats that the players whose signatures
are engraved on the barrels use those bats it is not often seen mentioned in catalogs as
the bats offered in H&B catalogs were retail bats.
I have found a couple of examples from different years in which Evers not only lent
his signature to the company to be used on the barrel, it is also clearly stated in the
catalogs that the Model No.10 is the model that Evers used.
This specific player endorsement is not mentioned in either the 1915 or 1916 D&M
catalogs. This information was received directly from Plymouth State University in
Plymouth, New Hampshire, which has the former D&M factory as a part of their
campus.
I was also told that the first mention of Evers use of a D&M bat is in the 1917 D&M
Baseball Rules booklet. The booklet advertises the D&M Model No.10 by saying
“Johnny Evers knocks out the hits with a D&M No. 10 bat”. Additionally, the 1919
catalog makes mention in their advertisement of the No.10 that “It is a bat that Evers
uses”.
1919 D&M Catalog Page
I emailed the university in an attempt to verify the endorsement date and/or
shipments of D&M bats to Evers. PSU uses the D&M factory building and has a museum
and classrooms there. The information I received, while not extremely definitive, was
very helpful in narrowing a date.
One of the other interesting pieces of information I received from Louise at PSU was
simply in an email she sent me: “Johnny Evers – Boston Braves - #5”. I asked her the
meaning of the number, but she really had no idea. She was assuming it was a uniform
number. I found this information interesting as there is a small ‘5’ factory stamped
into the knob of my bat, which as far as I can tell, has nothing to do with the length.
Also mentioned is what I believe is an excerpt from a 1917 catalog: “The professional
model was 33-36 inches and weight was 36-45 ounces ($1.00). While this information
could mean that the exact same bat was offered in the retail setting, I don’t believe that
the use of the term “professional model” means anything more than a ‘high-grade’ bat.
It must also be noted that the No. 10 bat advertised in the 1919 catalog is missing a
player signature endorsement on the barrel. The depicted catalog bat looks to have
dual decals, one on the barrel, and one on the handle. The barrel decal is missing on
my D&M example.
1919 Catalog
Evers Bat Handle Decal Evers Bat Barrel Signature
While it is known that Evers was not an endorser of Hillerich & Bradsby bats as shown
by the H&B examples all being block letter last name only, Johnny Evers did become
an endorser of Draper & Maynard products around 1917, which is smack in the middle
of his years with the Boston Braves. His move from the Midwest to the northeast would
have made it much easier for his business relationship with D&M to flourish and would
likely have allowed him to expand his endorsements with the company.
While it is understood with Hillerich & Bradsby bats that the players whose signatures
are engraved on the barrels use those bats it is not often seen mentioned in catalogs as
the bats offered in H&B catalogs were retail bats.
I have found a couple of examples from different years in which Evers not only lent
his signature to the company to be used on the barrel, it is also clearly stated in the
catalogs that the Model No.10 is the model that Evers used.
This specific player endorsement is not mentioned in either the 1915 or 1916 D&M
catalogs. This information was received directly from Plymouth State University in
Plymouth, New Hampshire, which has the former D&M factory as a part of their
campus.
I was also told that the first mention of Evers use of a D&M bat is in the 1917 D&M
Baseball Rules booklet. The booklet advertises the D&M Model No.10 by saying
“Johnny Evers knocks out the hits with a D&M No. 10 bat”. Additionally, the 1919
catalog makes mention in their advertisement of the No.10 that “It is a bat that Evers
uses”.
1919 D&M Catalog Page
I emailed the university in an attempt to verify the endorsement date and/or
shipments of D&M bats to Evers. PSU uses the D&M factory building and has a museum
and classrooms there. The information I received, while not extremely definitive, was
very helpful in narrowing a date.
One of the other interesting pieces of information I received from Louise at PSU was
simply in an email she sent me: “Johnny Evers – Boston Braves - #5”. I asked her the
meaning of the number, but she really had no idea. She was assuming it was a uniform
number. I found this information interesting as there is a small ‘5’ factory stamped
into the knob of my bat, which as far as I can tell, has nothing to do with the length.
Also mentioned is what I believe is an excerpt from a 1917 catalog: “The professional
model was 33-36 inches and weight was 36-45 ounces ($1.00). While this information
could mean that the exact same bat was offered in the retail setting, I don’t believe that
the use of the term “professional model” means anything more than a ‘high-grade’ bat.
It must also be noted that the No. 10 bat advertised in the 1919 catalog is missing a
player signature endorsement on the barrel. The depicted catalog bat looks to have
dual decals, one on the barrel, and one on the handle. The barrel decal is missing on
my D&M example.
1919 Catalog
Evers Bat Handle Decal Evers Bat Barrel Signature
Summary:
After taking into consideration all of the evidence presented here in regards to this bat,
I find that it is a hand-turned, professional model bat most likely made specifically for
use by Johnny Evers between 1914-1919.
The case for professional use can be made by examining the physical characteristics
including length, weight, grain, and knob style. Also taken into account is his
endorsement history with the company, characteristics of the center brand logo and
advertisements, and his history as a player.
The bat is nearly exact in length and weight to those H&B counterparts, including a
side-written and vault marked bat that was graded A10. The bat is made of professional
grade ash and has characteristics of professional use.
Additionally, it is noted that the hand-turned knob features a stamped ‘5’ which has no
bearing on the length of the bat, but which is noted in records originating from the
Draper & Maynard Sporting Goods Company (exact meaning unknown) from the time
in which Evers was with the Boston Braves.
After taking into consideration all of the evidence presented here in regards to this bat,
I find that it is a hand-turned, professional model bat most likely made specifically for
use by Johnny Evers between 1914-1919.
The case for professional use can be made by examining the physical characteristics
including length, weight, grain, and knob style. Also taken into account is his
endorsement history with the company, characteristics of the center brand logo and
advertisements, and his history as a player.
The bat is nearly exact in length and weight to those H&B counterparts, including a
side-written and vault marked bat that was graded A10. The bat is made of professional
grade ash and has characteristics of professional use.
Additionally, it is noted that the hand-turned knob features a stamped ‘5’ which has no
bearing on the length of the bat, but which is noted in records originating from the
Draper & Maynard Sporting Goods Company (exact meaning unknown) from the time
in which Evers was with the Boston Braves.
**ADDENDUM** - August 26,2007
Point 7 – Existence of Standard Length, Non-Player Endorsed D&M
No. 10 Bat(s)
It should be noted that in doing my research I located another D&M No.10 model bat
that was sold through Hunt Auctions in August of 2000 (lot 762). The No. 10 is
pictured 2nd from the top.
Lot of (3) vintage baseball bats c.1900-1915. Includes D&M No. 10 model, 35” with
very thick handle (has tape); James Brine Co. No. P model with Knights of Columbus
symbol on barrel, 33” w/handle tape; and J.F. Hillerich & Son “Champion No. 7”
model, 35”: Range VG/EX-EX
The bat shown at center in the above photo shows a D&M No. 10 that is clearly void of
any player endorsement.
This bat is a necessary exemplar used to show that there were D&M No. 10 model bats
produced, marketed, and sold in standard lengths (35”) without player endorsement
present.
The Hunt Auctions No. 10 bat lends a lot of credence to my belief that my D&M No. 10
example was part of a custom order made by Johnny Evers for his professional use
while playing with the Boston Braves because it features both a custom length
(32.6875”), and non-standard signature endorsement.
Point 7 – Existence of Standard Length, Non-Player Endorsed D&M
No. 10 Bat(s)
It should be noted that in doing my research I located another D&M No.10 model bat
that was sold through Hunt Auctions in August of 2000 (lot 762). The No. 10 is
pictured 2nd from the top.
Lot of (3) vintage baseball bats c.1900-1915. Includes D&M No. 10 model, 35” with
very thick handle (has tape); James Brine Co. No. P model with Knights of Columbus
symbol on barrel, 33” w/handle tape; and J.F. Hillerich & Son “Champion No. 7”
model, 35”: Range VG/EX-EX
The bat shown at center in the above photo shows a D&M No. 10 that is clearly void of
any player endorsement.
This bat is a necessary exemplar used to show that there were D&M No. 10 model bats
produced, marketed, and sold in standard lengths (35”) without player endorsement
present.
The Hunt Auctions No. 10 bat lends a lot of credence to my belief that my D&M No. 10
example was part of a custom order made by Johnny Evers for his professional use
while playing with the Boston Braves because it features both a custom length
(32.6875”), and non-standard signature endorsement.
Point 8 – Existence of Another D&M Player Endorsed Bat
From further research I was able to locate another D&M Signature model bat that was
sold through Hunt Auctions in February of 2002 (lot 1009). The Fred Luderus No. 99 is
pictured here with the original auction listing.
Fred Luderus D&M model baseball bat c.1910-20. 35" red finished bat with D&M Lucky
Dog logo stamping at center and model #99. Remains in beautiful condition with "F.
W. Luderus" facsimile signature on barrel. Very possibly a game used bat but at worst
is a very rare store model bat from a member of the 1915 Phillies: EX-EX/MT
(contrast adjusted)
The pictured D&M NO. 99 has a center brand logo nearly identical to my Evers center
brand. Fred Luderus is also mentioned in the 1919 Draper & Maynard catalog as one of
the prominent ballplayers of the day who were users of the No. 99 bat. Included with
him were (George) Sisler, Heinie Zimmerman, and Chester (Gavvy?) Cravath.
(1919 Catalog Excerpt)
It’s interesting to see that the players named as using either the No. 10 bat (Evers) and
the No. 99 bat (Luderus, Sisler, Zimmerman, and Cravath) were teammates with each
other at some point. However, I’m not saying that they all played on the same team at
the same time. Coincidence?
Fred Luderus - Cubs 1909-10, Phillies 1910-20
Played with Zimmerman and Evers in Chicago. Played with Cravath in Philadelphia.
George Sisler - St. Louis Browns 1915-27, Washington Senators 1928, Boston Braves
1928-30. Played with Evers in Boston in 1929.
Heinie Zimmerman - Cubs 1907-16, New York Giants 1916-19
Played with Luderus and Evers in Chicago.
Gavvy Cravath - Red Sox 1908, Chicago White Sox 1909, Phillies 1912-20
Played with Luderus and Evers in Philadelphia in 1917.
Johnny Evers - Cubs 1902-13, Boston Braves 1914-17, Phillies 1917, White Sox 1922,
Boston Braves 1929. Played with Zimmerman and Luderus in Chicago, with Cravath in
Philadelphia, and with Sisler in Boston.
From further research I was able to locate another D&M Signature model bat that was
sold through Hunt Auctions in February of 2002 (lot 1009). The Fred Luderus No. 99 is
pictured here with the original auction listing.
Fred Luderus D&M model baseball bat c.1910-20. 35" red finished bat with D&M Lucky
Dog logo stamping at center and model #99. Remains in beautiful condition with "F.
W. Luderus" facsimile signature on barrel. Very possibly a game used bat but at worst
is a very rare store model bat from a member of the 1915 Phillies: EX-EX/MT
(contrast adjusted)
The pictured D&M NO. 99 has a center brand logo nearly identical to my Evers center
brand. Fred Luderus is also mentioned in the 1919 Draper & Maynard catalog as one of
the prominent ballplayers of the day who were users of the No. 99 bat. Included with
him were (George) Sisler, Heinie Zimmerman, and Chester (Gavvy?) Cravath.
(1919 Catalog Excerpt)
It’s interesting to see that the players named as using either the No. 10 bat (Evers) and
the No. 99 bat (Luderus, Sisler, Zimmerman, and Cravath) were teammates with each
other at some point. However, I’m not saying that they all played on the same team at
the same time. Coincidence?
Fred Luderus - Cubs 1909-10, Phillies 1910-20
Played with Zimmerman and Evers in Chicago. Played with Cravath in Philadelphia.
George Sisler - St. Louis Browns 1915-27, Washington Senators 1928, Boston Braves
1928-30. Played with Evers in Boston in 1929.
Heinie Zimmerman - Cubs 1907-16, New York Giants 1916-19
Played with Luderus and Evers in Chicago.
Gavvy Cravath - Red Sox 1908, Chicago White Sox 1909, Phillies 1912-20
Played with Luderus and Evers in Philadelphia in 1917.
Johnny Evers - Cubs 1902-13, Boston Braves 1914-17, Phillies 1917, White Sox 1922,
Boston Braves 1929. Played with Zimmerman and Luderus in Chicago, with Cravath in
Philadelphia, and with Sisler in Boston.
