1980 Carlton Fisk Game Used Bat, PSA/DNA GU 9 from The Bill Fundaro Collection. ...

Description

1980 Carlton Fisk Game Used Bat, PSA/DNA GU 9 from The Bill Fundaro Collection. The man who authored the most dramatic moment in New England sports history exuded a unique brand ruggedness and stubbornness which endeared him to Boston fans. Pudge's ash (wax finish) Louisville Slugger S44 measures 34", weighs 31.5 ounces, and dates to his last year in Beantown. Exhibits outstanding use with ball and stitch marks, light pine tar and scoring on handle, and "27" in vintage black marker on the knob. Note: There is a significant crack which runs from the top of the handle to the mid-portion of the Louisville Slugger oval. LOA from PSA/DNA, GU 9. Letter of provenance from Bill Fundaro's daughter (Auction #50041).

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.