This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 7/8/2004.
To understand just how good Eddie Collins was, one need look at both angles of his play -- in the field and at the plate. In terms of second basemen, he certainly ranks with the best of his time. He led the American League in fielding percentage nine times and was the centerpiece of Connie Macks' noted "$100,000" infield. He was so fleet of foot that he had the ability to cover more ground than most others of the dead ball era -- a time when games were won by balls hit through the infield rather than over the fence in the outfield. At the plate he was more than adept, finishing the majority of his 25 seasons within the top 10 of nearly every measurable category. Had Ty Cobb not been playing at the same time, he would have won several batting titles. He retired with a .333 lifetime average, collected 3,311 hits, drove in 1,300 runs, and stole 744 bases. Noted baseball historian Bill James said it best when he wrote that Collins had "the most valuable career that any second baseman ever had." This magnificently rare pre-1916, dash dot dash, J.F.Hillerich & Son Louisville Slugger was wielded by Collins in his prime. It shows evidence of tremendous game use and the handle is covered in cleat marks, purposefully placed there by Collins to aid his grip. A heavy coat of pine tar was also applied to the bat and extends upward from the knob a full 18 inches. The centerbrand is deeply burned into the barrel while the "E.T. Collins" facsimile signature is somewhat lighter. The wood is magnificently preserved and has developed a beautiful patina with dark, rich tones. The bat originally entered the hobby straight from the Louisville vaults and is sidewritten "Edw T. Coll Chicago White Sox" in grease pencil. Remnants of the shipping label that would have been applied to get the bat back to the manufacturer are still visible on the barrel. A crack, which would have prompted Collins to return the bat to be used as a model for more, is present in the upper handle. Manufacturer: Hillerich & Bradsby, Model Number: Pre Model Number, Labeling Period: 1911-16, Length: 34.25, Weight: 35.5 ounces, Wood: Ash, Finish: Standard. Accompanied by documentation from PSA/DNA.