This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 7/8/2004.
Stan Musial was originally signed to a minor league contract as a 17 year old pitcher. The team's roster was so sparse that he was occasionally asked to play the outfield on his off days and late in the 1940 season he injured his shoulder on a diving catch, effectively ending his career on the mound. Convinced by his manager to stay in baseball as an outfielder, his batting average exploded the following season and the St. Louis Cardinals called him up to play in the big show. He stayed with the franchise for a record 22 seasons and in that time redefined excellence in hitting. To this day he continues to rank at the top of many of baseball's all-time lists in nearly every hitting category. This uncommonly early Musial bat is absolutely hammered showing tremendous game-use. The left, right, and rear barrel are coated in ball, hit, and cleat marks and the handle has a hint of pine tar. An exceptional example, it has been signed "Stan The Man Musial" and dated "8/24/94" in blue sharpie rating a 10. Manufacturer: Adirondack, Model Number: 15B, Labeling Period: 1951-57, Length: 34-1/2 inches, Weight: 32-1/2 ounces, Wood: Ash, Finish: Standard. The bat and autograph each come with a letter from PSA/DNA.