Best-In-Class
1960 Ted Williams Autographed Game-Used & Photo-Matched Bat PSA/DNA GU 10.. ...
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Description
1960 Ted Williams Autographed Game-Used & Photo-Matched Bat PSA/DNA GU 10.
Best-In-Class Expert Analysis/Summary:
In 1960, Ted Williams would stroll to the plate for the last time as a major leaguer. Unlike so many legends who hang on well past their primes, Williams remained an extremely dangerous hitter, finishing the season with a .316 batting average and 29 home runs in just 310 at-bats. When Teddy Ballgame decided to retire, it wasn't because his skills had diminished in any meaningful way; it was simply time. This factor, one of several deemed germane, played a vital role in this extraordinary bat achieving Best-In-Class status.
On its own merit, the player characteristics and extent of game use on this bat are about as strong as one could hope for on any Williams example from any era. The barrel is absolutely riddled with ball and seam impressions from high-velocity contact, and the handle exhibits remnants of the olive oil and rosin gripping substance Williams was known to use. In addition, the "9" (his uniform number) found on the knob in fading black marker is not only a recognizable style from the period, but it also helps match the bat to one visible in the bat rack on the final day of his career (September 28, 1960).
Beyond the extreme character it possesses, the bat is accompanied by letters of provenance from former teammate Don Gile (2020) and his widow (2023). Roughly 30 years after initially acquiring the bat, Gile reunited with Williams in 1990, who autographed the right barrel. It remains as bold as the day Williams signed it. Furthermore, an additional match has been provided by third parties on September 8, 1960, when Williams hit career home run #519. The phrase "checks every box" often gets overused in the hobby, but it certainly applies in this case. The strength of its player characteristics, provenance, and photo-match evidence makes it one of the finest Williams bats known.