1957 Larry Doby Game Used Bat, PSA/DNA GU 9.5 from The Bill Fundaro Collection. ...

Description

1957 Larry Doby Game Used Bat, PSA/DNA GU 9.5 from The Bill Fundaro Collection. This lumber derives from the Jackie Robinson of the American League, a man who integrated the Junior Circuit just three months after the Brooklyn Dodgers legend took his brave first steps. The offered model K55 bat (34.5" and 31.9 ounces) saw action when Doby was playing for the White Sox in 1957. The handle of this offering was cracked but has been repaired. John Taube identifies the use as "outstanding" with contact and stitch marks on the back barrel. Green bat rack marks, pine tar and a small grip add further collectibility. "K55" is stamped on the knob. One of the few game used bats from the Hall of Fame trailblazer. LOA from PSA/DNA, GU 9.5. Letter of provenance from Bill Fundaro's daughter.

More Information: The Bill Fundaro Collection

They lovingly called him "Foul Ball Billy" during his fifty years of service to the Detroit Tigers franchise. The long-time usher got his start with the ballclub during the unforgettable season of 1968 that saw pitcher Denny McLain record what remains (likely for eternity) the last thirty-win season en route to World Championship glory. Fundaro's last season was 2019 and he passed away in October of last year after spending the 2020 season locked out of the gates of Major League Baseball by the global pandemic.

Fundaro got his nickname from his primary role of retrieving balls off the screen behind the plate at Tiger Stadium and giving them to umpires or fans. In honor of his Golden Anniversary with the team, Fundaro threw out a first pitch in 2018, earning a loud ovation from the many fans who had come to know him like family.

The ballplayers, both Tigers and visitors, likewise were drawn to Fundaro's unfailingly friendly demeanor, gifting him a wide array of game used bats and the like which appear upon the following pages. There's even a remarkable supply of material from beyond our national pastime, as Fundaro didn't rest during the baseball offseason, photographing Detroit Lions and Michigan Wolverines games and participating in a wide array of sports-related fundraising efforts. Heritage is please to present this remarkable evidence of a life well-lived, each item accompanied by a letter of provenance from Fundaro's daughter.