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Description

1955 Ted Williams Game Used Bat, PSA/DNA GU 10. A challenging combination of Korean War service and a broken collarbone conspired to limit Teddy Ballgame's appearances to just 160 for the seasons of 1952 through 1954, and divorce proceedings claimed the first month of the 1955 season as well, but the aging superstar ultimately returned to Fenway in late May and proved he was still as great as ever in his mid-thirties. In just 98 games, Williams posted a staggering .356 batting average, leading the American League, while also pacing the circuit with a .496 on-base percentage and .703 slugging percentage. Despite limited playing time, he launched twenty-eight home runs and drove in eighty-three runs, continuing to showcase one of the most advanced batting eyes in baseball history with ninety-one walks to only thirty-nine strikeouts.

The subject Hillerich & Bradsby W183 demonstrates outstanding game use from this "Comeback Player of the Year" season, the barrel coated in ball marks, stitch impressions, Fenway-green rack marks and cleat divots. Uncracked handle still bears a heavy coating of Williams' proprietary blend of gripping substance.

While this particular model was favored by Williams for a number of years, the experts at PSA/DNA are confident in their 1955 attribution due to the unique number "9" format painted in black on the knob, a trait they explain can only be found in photography from 1955 (see Getty Image #50385389). At thirty-five inches (35") in length and thirty-two ounces (32 oz.) in weight, the bat is consistent with the five orders of the W183 delivered to Williams during the 1955 season. A truly spectacular weapon from the arsenal of the greatest hitter that ever lived. LOA from PSA/DNA, GU 10.


Guide Value or Estimate: $150,000 - up.

Auction Info

Bidding Begins Approx.
November
21st Friday
Auction Dates
December
12th-14th Friday-Sunday
Proxy Bidding Begins Approx.
14 Days
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: N/A
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 140
Auction Type
Signature Internet Extended Bid: These Auctions are presented via catalog and online. Bidding is taken through our website or via phone. There are two phases of bidding during this type of auction: 1) Normal bidding: Bids are taken up until 10 PM CT the night the auction closes. 2) 30 Minute Ending: On a lot-by-lot basis, starting at 10:00 PM CT, any person who has bid on the lot previously may continue to bid on that lot until there are no more bids for 30 minutes. For example, if you bid on a lot during Normal Bidding, you could participate during Extended Bidding for that lot, but not on lots you did not bid on previously. If a bid was placed at 10:15, the new end time for that lot would become 10:45. If no other bids were placed before 10:45, the lot would close. If you are the high bidder on a lot, changing your bid will not extend the bidding during the 30 Minute Ending phase (only a bid from another bidder will extend bidding). If you are the only bidder at 10 PM, you will automatically win the lot at 10:30. Important: After normal bidding ends, you must be signed-on to the Heritage site to see the bidding option on lots where you qualify for extended bidding and you must be on an individual lot page to reflect the accurate time remaining for that particular lot.
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