| Hank Greenberg |
| 1938-39 Hillerich & Bradsby Hank Greenberg Game Used Bat |
A few months back I had the good fortune of acquiring a vintage game used bat of a
player that for the most part I felt would never be added to my collection of hall of
fame players. In fact, I never even had Hank Greenberg on my wanted list simply
because his bats bats in general are both rare and are extremely expensive. According
to scdauctions.com, only four Greenberg game used bats have sold in the last two
years. Of those four, two brought prices in excess of $10,000. Sometimes it is just
better to be really lucky than really good.
For many collectors the real work starts once the bat is in hand. However, the most
diligent collectors will start the research wheels spinning as soon as they view the first
photos of the item. In the case of my Greenberg bat, these photos shared little detail
about the item and the description wasn’t much better. About all I knew from the
information I was initially given was that the bat was cracked, had tape on the handle,
had burned in markings, and was a Powerized 125 model.
Even though there were a lot of things that could quickly discount this bat from being
a genuine Greenberg gamer, at first glance I felt quite confident that it was indeed a
professional model bat made for use by Hank Greenberg. True, the initial information
didn’t specifically reveal a lot about the bat, but there were a few bits of information to
be gleaned just from the photographs and the information available.
First and foremost, Hank Greenberg’s facsimile signature was burned into the barrel.
This excluded it from being an early foil stamped store model. However, the possibility
still existed that there could be inch marks stamped into the knob that would make it a
less valuable 125-series store model.
player that for the most part I felt would never be added to my collection of hall of
fame players. In fact, I never even had Hank Greenberg on my wanted list simply
because his bats bats in general are both rare and are extremely expensive. According
to scdauctions.com, only four Greenberg game used bats have sold in the last two
years. Of those four, two brought prices in excess of $10,000. Sometimes it is just
better to be really lucky than really good.
For many collectors the real work starts once the bat is in hand. However, the most
diligent collectors will start the research wheels spinning as soon as they view the first
photos of the item. In the case of my Greenberg bat, these photos shared little detail
about the item and the description wasn’t much better. About all I knew from the
information I was initially given was that the bat was cracked, had tape on the handle,
had burned in markings, and was a Powerized 125 model.
Even though there were a lot of things that could quickly discount this bat from being
a genuine Greenberg gamer, at first glance I felt quite confident that it was indeed a
professional model bat made for use by Hank Greenberg. True, the initial information
didn’t specifically reveal a lot about the bat, but there were a few bits of information to
be gleaned just from the photographs and the information available.
First and foremost, Hank Greenberg’s facsimile signature was burned into the barrel.
This excluded it from being an early foil stamped store model. However, the possibility
still existed that there could be inch marks stamped into the knob that would make it a
less valuable 125-series store model.
A second key to Hank’s signature
endorsement on the barrel is that it
stands alone. Because of relaxed
trademark restrictions during the mid
to late 1930s and early part of the 1940s,
Hillerich & Bradsby no longer felt the
need to place combinations of
TRADEMARK and/or REG US PAT OFF
above or below the signature of the
endorsement on the barrel is that it
stands alone. Because of relaxed
trademark restrictions during the mid
to late 1930s and early part of the 1940s,
Hillerich & Bradsby no longer felt the
need to place combinations of
TRADEMARK and/or REG US PAT OFF
above or below the signature of the
player on the barrel. To a seasoned bat collector this should (in proper situations) date
the bat to somewhere between 1935 and 1945. In my case, this covered the majority of
Greenberg’s career and included his time in the military years from 1941 to 1945.
Secondly, while the detail of the center brand labeling isn’t extremely clear I was able
to date the bat to the 1936-39 (C-7 centerbrand for those Malta guide owners) labeling
period. It also has Powerized alone with no additional labeling like Bone Rubbed, Oil
Tempered, or Pat Pending. This further re-enforces that the bat is from 1935 to 1945
and not earlier.
Even with this information there are still a ton of variables that could disqualify this
bat from having pro model status. From the photos I’m not able to even estimate the
length of the bat, nor do I know if there is anything marked on the knob. These are
questions that can only be answered by the owner so the next step was to get those
questions answered.
the bat to somewhere between 1935 and 1945. In my case, this covered the majority of
Greenberg’s career and included his time in the military years from 1941 to 1945.
Secondly, while the detail of the center brand labeling isn’t extremely clear I was able
to date the bat to the 1936-39 (C-7 centerbrand for those Malta guide owners) labeling
period. It also has Powerized alone with no additional labeling like Bone Rubbed, Oil
Tempered, or Pat Pending. This further re-enforces that the bat is from 1935 to 1945
and not earlier.
Even with this information there are still a ton of variables that could disqualify this
bat from having pro model status. From the photos I’m not able to even estimate the
length of the bat, nor do I know if there is anything marked on the knob. These are
questions that can only be answered by the owner so the next step was to get those
questions answered.
The response I received contained
two vital bits of info and both were
positive for the bat’s status as a
gamer. The owner indicated that the
bat was 35” long and had no knob
markings. The lack of a model
number or inch marks on the knob
was key to the bat having pro model
status. Had I not been able to date the
bat using the center brand and
powerized logo this information would
two vital bits of info and both were
positive for the bat’s status as a
gamer. The owner indicated that the
bat was 35” long and had no knob
markings. The lack of a model
number or inch marks on the knob
was key to the bat having pro model
status. Had I not been able to date the
bat using the center brand and
powerized logo this information would
have been key in assessing the bat to be from 1934 and 1943. The center brand
configuration just allowed me to narrow the date down much further. The length of
the bat, if correct, further made it plausible that the bat was a professional model.
At this point, I still don’t have the bat in hand to give it a proper examination, but I’ve
still been able to ascertain the following elements that point to it being a pro model bat.
configuration just allowed me to narrow the date down much further. The length of
the bat, if correct, further made it plausible that the bat was a professional model.
At this point, I still don’t have the bat in hand to give it a proper examination, but I’ve
still been able to ascertain the following elements that point to it being a pro model bat.
1. 125 Model
2. Acceptable length (35”)
3. Burned in markings
4. Proper era (1936-1939)
5. No model number or inch marks on the knob
The actual sale and associated negotiations were a bit complicated so I’ll skip that tale
completely and will proceed right to the work that began once I had the bat in hand.
2. Acceptable length (35”)
3. Burned in markings
4. Proper era (1936-1939)
5. No model number or inch marks on the knob
The actual sale and associated negotiations were a bit complicated so I’ll skip that tale
completely and will proceed right to the work that began once I had the bat in hand.
The first thing I did was to very closely
compare the center brand labeling with the
variations present during the late 1930s.
What I found out was that not only was this
bat indeed from the 1936-39 era, but it
featured a 1938-39 label variation. At this
point I’ve got the bat narrowed down to two
years out of Greenberg’s career, one of
which he led the league in home runs with
compare the center brand labeling with the
variations present during the late 1930s.
What I found out was that not only was this
bat indeed from the 1936-39 era, but it
featured a 1938-39 label variation. At this
point I’ve got the bat narrowed down to two
years out of Greenberg’s career, one of
which he led the league in home runs with
58 and very nearly topped Ruth’s 1927 mark of 60.
Overall, the bat was in great condition. However, it did have a few scars and small dents
on the barrel and it had been cracked at some point in its life. The handle had been
repaired with five nails and was taped with the heavy vintage tape that is commonly
seen from the 1930s.
Overall, the bat was in great condition. However, it did have a few scars and small dents
on the barrel and it had been cracked at some point in its life. The handle had been
repaired with five nails and was taped with the heavy vintage tape that is commonly
seen from the 1930s.
Unfortunately, tape on the handles of vintage bats leaves both black residue and
when removed tape ghosting. I removed the tape and with a little work removed most
of the leftover black residue. This still left the ghosting, but outside of professional
restoration not a lot can be done.
when removed tape ghosting. I removed the tape and with a little work removed most
of the leftover black residue. This still left the ghosting, but outside of professional
restoration not a lot can be done.
In giving the bat a thorough examination I found what appeared to be a couple of areas
of scoring on the handle near the knob. A bit more research confirmed that handle
scoring with a bottle cap was most definitely a characteristic of Greenberg’s favorite
bats. After 70 years, there were only a couple of small areas
remaining, and in those areas the grooves had been worn nearly smooth from
handling. To me, finding the scoring on the handle was clear confirmation that
Greenberg had most definitely put this bat to good use in either 1938 or 1939.
of scoring on the handle near the knob. A bit more research confirmed that handle
scoring with a bottle cap was most definitely a characteristic of Greenberg’s favorite
bats. After 70 years, there were only a couple of small areas
remaining, and in those areas the grooves had been worn nearly smooth from
handling. To me, finding the scoring on the handle was clear confirmation that
Greenberg had most definitely put this bat to good use in either 1938 or 1939.
Once the bat was cleaned and oiled I proceeded to weigh it and measure it. The length
is about 35 1/8” and the weight is 33.8 oz. I haven’t removed the nails so some weight
has to be calculated for those. I’m guessing that the five half nails that are in the
handle don’t weigh more than one-third to one-half of an ounce making the present
weight of the bat between 33.3 to 33.5 oz and the likely shipped weight of the bat
between 35 and 36 oz.
Now that I have those numbers in place it’s time to check it against the available H&B
shipping records. In examining the records for Greenberg I’m not only looking at the
years in the records that this bat is from. I’m looking at all available years in order to
properly examine the shipped weights of his bats throughout his career and to
establish a pattern. This can be especially helpful if the bat being examined can’t be
narrowed down to only two or three years of a player’s career through the center brand
labeling.
A review of Greenberg’s records in the Malta guide shows that Hank ordered bats 35
1/8” long in only two seasons of his career, 1938 and 1939. In 1938, Greenberg ordered
bats that were 33.5 oz, <35, and 36 oz. Most collectors would be happy just to have a
professional model 1938-39 Hillerich & Bradsby Hank Greenberg gamer, but I wanted
to take the research a bit further.
is about 35 1/8” and the weight is 33.8 oz. I haven’t removed the nails so some weight
has to be calculated for those. I’m guessing that the five half nails that are in the
handle don’t weigh more than one-third to one-half of an ounce making the present
weight of the bat between 33.3 to 33.5 oz and the likely shipped weight of the bat
between 35 and 36 oz.
Now that I have those numbers in place it’s time to check it against the available H&B
shipping records. In examining the records for Greenberg I’m not only looking at the
years in the records that this bat is from. I’m looking at all available years in order to
properly examine the shipped weights of his bats throughout his career and to
establish a pattern. This can be especially helpful if the bat being examined can’t be
narrowed down to only two or three years of a player’s career through the center brand
labeling.
A review of Greenberg’s records in the Malta guide shows that Hank ordered bats 35
1/8” long in only two seasons of his career, 1938 and 1939. In 1938, Greenberg ordered
bats that were 33.5 oz, <35, and 36 oz. Most collectors would be happy just to have a
professional model 1938-39 Hillerich & Bradsby Hank Greenberg gamer, but I wanted
to take the research a bit further.
Luckily I was able to locate a pair of lathe bats that were used as models to produce
additional bats for Greenberg. The first lathe bat I encountered is a 1938 lathe bat that
was listed in an August 2006 Mastronet auction catalog.
additional bats for Greenberg. The first lathe bat I encountered is a 1938 lathe bat that
was listed in an August 2006 Mastronet auction catalog.
The bat has been side-written "36 oz. Hank Greenberg - 3 30 38 - Detroit - Amer. Lea.".
The listed length in the catalog is 35" and the Mears listing for this bat on their website
lists the length as 35.25". I’m fairly certain that both of those lengths are incorrect and
believe that the lathe bat is probably 35.13” (35 1/8”). Since my Greenberg is from the
same year or two and is also 35 1/8" I believe that my bat was most likely made off of
that lathe bat which is known in the shipping records as "His 3-30-38 off John Stone"
in a length of 35 1/8". Greenberg only ordered this model bat in 1938. The listed weight
of this bat is 34.1 oz.
The listed length in the catalog is 35" and the Mears listing for this bat on their website
lists the length as 35.25". I’m fairly certain that both of those lengths are incorrect and
believe that the lathe bat is probably 35.13” (35 1/8”). Since my Greenberg is from the
same year or two and is also 35 1/8" I believe that my bat was most likely made off of
that lathe bat which is known in the shipping records as "His 3-30-38 off John Stone"
in a length of 35 1/8". Greenberg only ordered this model bat in 1938. The listed weight
of this bat is 34.1 oz.
The other notable lathe bat I found was sold by American Memorabilia and is from
1939. It is listed as “His 4-1-39 model” in the records and was shipped as 35 1/8". The
listed weight of this lathe bat is 29.6 oz. The reason I don’t believe my bat was from
this 1939 model is that it was only shipped to him in 1939 in a weight of 33.5 oz.
I suppose it would be possible that my bat is from 1939, but at 33.8 oz (with nails) my
bat currently weighs just about the same as those 1939 orders at 33.5 oz. Because it is
fairly common knowledge that bats lose weight over time I don’t see it likely that my
bat would weigh the same almost 70 years later. It seems much more likely that when
my bat was shipped out it was in 1938 and weighed either 35 or 36 oz as and order of
the “His 3-30-38 model”. It matches the length for the 1938 orders, is within an
acceptable weight range for those orders, and has at least one verifiable Greenberg
characteristic. All of these together make it extremely likely that this bat was ordered
and used by Hank Greenberg during his 58 home run season of 1938.
1939. It is listed as “His 4-1-39 model” in the records and was shipped as 35 1/8". The
listed weight of this lathe bat is 29.6 oz. The reason I don’t believe my bat was from
this 1939 model is that it was only shipped to him in 1939 in a weight of 33.5 oz.
I suppose it would be possible that my bat is from 1939, but at 33.8 oz (with nails) my
bat currently weighs just about the same as those 1939 orders at 33.5 oz. Because it is
fairly common knowledge that bats lose weight over time I don’t see it likely that my
bat would weigh the same almost 70 years later. It seems much more likely that when
my bat was shipped out it was in 1938 and weighed either 35 or 36 oz as and order of
the “His 3-30-38 model”. It matches the length for the 1938 orders, is within an
acceptable weight range for those orders, and has at least one verifiable Greenberg
characteristic. All of these together make it extremely likely that this bat was ordered
and used by Hank Greenberg during his 58 home run season of 1938.
Why would a person go to such lengths in evaluating a bat right down to the exact year
when it is obviously a Greenberg gamer? My biggest reason for wanting to go the extra
mile is simply that I knew almost right from the start that I had a 50/50 chance of
having a gamer from what can be considered one of the top seasons in baseball history.
Imagine owning a game used Ruth bat from 1927, a Maris bat from 1961, or a DiMaggio
bat from 1941. To own a bat from one of those players’ seasons is to own a piece of
history. The feats accomplished during those seasons can never be taken away.
Greenberg’s 1938 tally of 58 round trippers for the Detroit Tigers tied him with Jimmie
Foxx’s 1932 season total as the second most in a season between Babe Ruth’s 60 in 1927
and Roger Maris’ 61 in 1961. He also set a record for most multi home run games in a
season with 11. When you look over his career numbers it's pretty easy to see that he
was really good and I'm really lucky.
when it is obviously a Greenberg gamer? My biggest reason for wanting to go the extra
mile is simply that I knew almost right from the start that I had a 50/50 chance of
having a gamer from what can be considered one of the top seasons in baseball history.
Imagine owning a game used Ruth bat from 1927, a Maris bat from 1961, or a DiMaggio
bat from 1941. To own a bat from one of those players’ seasons is to own a piece of
history. The feats accomplished during those seasons can never be taken away.
Greenberg’s 1938 tally of 58 round trippers for the Detroit Tigers tied him with Jimmie
Foxx’s 1932 season total as the second most in a season between Babe Ruth’s 60 in 1927
and Roger Maris’ 61 in 1961. He also set a record for most multi home run games in a
season with 11. When you look over his career numbers it's pretty easy to see that he
was really good and I'm really lucky.