Circa 1947 Luke Appling Game-Used Taffy Wright Bat

Luke Appling’s Taffy Wright Bat: A Piece of Baseball History

An Iconic Artifact from the Golden Era of Baseball

Step back into the rich tapestry of baseball history with this extraordinary Taffy Wright bat, a relic from the mid-20th century. Crafted by the renowned Hillerich & Bradsby, this bat is a testament to the era’s craftsmanship and the storied careers of two legendary teammates, Luke Appling and Taffy Wright. Presented to us as game-used, this bat is a tangible connection to the glory days of the Chicago White Sox.

Specifications and Features

This bat is a remarkable specimen, showcasing the following features:

• Manufacturer: Hillerich & Bradsby
• Model: S79
• Length: 35 inches
• Weight: 35.8 ounces
• Wood: Ash
• Labeling Period: 1946-48
• Condition: Uncracked

The bat bears the indelible mark of Appling’s player number “4” on the knob, inscribed in black marker, alongside the stamped model number “S79”. This bat is not just a piece of wood; it is a canvas of history, adorned with ball and hit marks on all sides of the barrel, and a light coat of pine tar on the mid-handle, indicating its heavy use during the games.

Provenance and Historical Significance

Accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from PSA/DNA, this bat’s provenance is further enriched by a LOA from Ben Sumpter, the grandson of Hall of Famer Luke Appling. Sumpter’s letter attests, “This 1940s Taft Wright Louisville Slugger model bat has been used by my grandfather Luke Appling with his familiar number 4 marked on the knob in black marker and is from the collection of my Grandfather Luke Appling.” This statement not only authenticates the bat but also ties it directly to Appling’s illustrious career with the Chicago White Sox, where he and Wright were teammates from 1940 to 1942 and again from 1946 to 1948.

A Collector’s Dream

This bat is a rare find for any baseball memorabilia enthusiast. Its historical significance, coupled with its impeccable provenance, makes it a coveted piece for collectors and fans alike. The presence of green, blue, and red rack marks further adds to its allure, painting a vivid picture of its journey through the annals of baseball history.

For those looking to sell baseball memorabilia or explore more consignment opportunities, this bat exemplifies the kind of exceptional items that Grey Flannel Auctions is proud to handle. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of baseball’s golden era and the indelible mark left by legends like Luke Appling and Taffy Wright.

Explore more about this and other remarkable pieces in our sports memorabilia auctions, where history and passion converge to celebrate the timeless spirit of the game.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.