1926-29 Babe Ruth NY Yankees Game-Used 11 Notch Home Run Factory Side Written Bat

Babe Ruth’s Legendary Bat: A Testament to Baseball History

An Icon of the Roaring Twenties

In the mid to late 1920s, Babe Ruth, much like a gunslinger from the Old West, would mark his triumphs by carving notches on his game bat after hitting a home run. While some have dismissed this as a mere legend, this bat stands as a potential Holy Grail of baseball memorabilia. It is one of Ruth’s bats used during the prolific years of 1926-29, a period when he averaged an astounding 51.75 home runs per season. This bat may have witnessed some of the 60 home runs he hit in 1927, a record that remained unbroken for over half a century.

A Collector’s Dream

Any authentic Babe Ruth bat is a collector’s dream, and this piece is no exception. With this bat, one can almost feel the ball exploding off its surface. This Hillerich and Bradsby bat, labeled from 1926-29, measures 36 inches in length and weighs 36 3/4 ounces today. Both measurements align with bats ordered by Ruth during this period, as documented in Ruth’s Professional Bat Ordering Record at Louisville Slugger Inc.

• Historical Significance: Used during a four-season span when Ruth averaged 51.75 home runs per season.
• Unique Features: 11 original home run notches, a handle crack, and grain swelling.
• Provenance: Corresponds to bats ordered by Ruth, with documented factory returns for duplication.

Authenticity and Provenance

The bat features numerous ball marks, a handle crack, and grain swelling on the barrel, alongside several bat boy nails on the back. Underneath the center brand are 11 home run notches, determined to be original. The handle crack runs through these notches, indicating the home runs occurred before the bat was cracked, retired by Ruth, and returned to the factory for duplication. A close examination reveals that the crack runs cleanly through the notches, with no distortion, further proving their authenticity.

There is a planed area on the left barrel, indicating the bat was returned to the manufacturer for duplication, a common practice of the era. Faint portions of lettering can still be seen in the side-written area, though the player name and other information are illegible. The initials “B.R.” are carved into the knob, likely for identification after its return to Hillerich & Bradsby Inc.

A Rare and Documented Artifact

Only four documented examples of bats notched by Ruth exist, one of which is displayed at the Louisville Slugger Museum in Louisville, KY. The notches on all four known bats appear to have been made with the same tool, believed to be the edge of a file. The location of the notches under the center brand matches another documented notched home run bat, further solidifying its authenticity.

This extraordinary piece of baseball history is accompanied by a PSA/DNA Letter of Authenticity and has been graded GU9. It is a remarkable addition to any baseball memorabilia collection, offering a tangible connection to the legendary Babe Ruth and his indelible mark on the sport.

For those interested in acquiring such a historic artifact, explore our sports memorabilia auctions and discover the treasures that await. If you have your own piece of history, consider our consignment services to share it with the world.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.