(LOT 2045)
Hank Aaron Game-Used Hillerich & Bradsby Bat (1973-1975 Labeling Period/Model #A99) – Full PSA/John Taube Game-Used 8 LOA (PSA Cert #1B26983) & Consignor Letter of Provenance
"He's sitting on 714...Here's the pitch by Downing...Swinging...There's a drive into left-centerfield...That ball is going to be out of here...It's Gone...It's 715...There's a new home-run champion of all-time and it's Henry Aaron!" Such was the iconic call of Henry Aaron's historic 715th home run by Braves legendary announcer, the late Milo Hamilton. On April 8th, 1974 at Fulton County Stadium, Aaron stepped into the batter's box in the bottom of the 4th inning against the Dodgers' hard-throwing southpaw Al Downing. After taking ball one in the dirt, Aaron crushed Downing's next fastball into the bullpen as Dodgers' outfielder Bill Buckner helplessly watched the ball sail over the left-centerfield fence.

The unthinkable had happened with Aaron finally surpassing Babe Ruth's magical 714 mark! That magnificent moment could virtually freeze time and render even the most advanced enthusiast absolutely speechless, sparking a monumental collector interest for the immortal Henry Aaron. With Aaron's lifetime achievements reading like a "War and Peace" novel, what hobbyist would not want to gather his most esteemed collectibles. One of those magnificent artifacts just happens to be presented here, an awe-inspiring "Hammerin Hank" Hillerich & Bradsby game used bat used by Aaron during the 1973 – 1975 period. However, since this bat originated from the Philadelphia Phillies promotional "Hot-Pants Girl" from the early to mid-1970's (our consignor's sister-in-law), we can only assume that this particular offering was used by Aaron in either 1973 or 1974 since Hank played in the American League his final two seasons (1975/'76). This in fact places this spectacular bat as an extremely special piece of lumber since those are the two seasons that Aaron chased Ruth's legendary 714 homer record, eventually passing the Babe on April 8, 1974.

Imagine, this majestic bat could have conceivably been used for one of Aaron's round trippers in his relentless pursuit of Ruth's mark, immediately placing it as one of the more significant game-used Hank Aaron bats extant. Graded a "Game-Used 8" by PSA's prestigious bat expert John Taube, the accompanying PSA LOA's provide the pertinent information including Manufacturer (Hillerich & Bradsby); Model Number (A99); Labeling Period (1973-1975); Length (35 Inches); Weight (31.1 Ounces); Wood Type (Ash); and Finish (Standard). Presented in desirable un-cracked condition, the left and back barrel exhibit a few ball marks (light/moderate use), and some red bat rack streaks are evident on the right and front barrel. The knob includes the critical A99 model number and a "32" pencil notation, with Aaron's number "44" written on both the knob and top of the barrel, a typical attribute of many game-used bats. An additional momentous aspect is the classic Hank Aaron facsimile signature engraved on the sweet spot of the barrel, extremely desirable in this scripted format versus a bat depicting block print style.

One of the premier highlights of this unearthed 1970's – 1980 bat collection, it effectively turns back the clock to an era when the iconic Henry Aaron was in hot pursuit of one of our National Pastime's most hallowed records. Aaron played 23 years in the majors, and although his 755-homer mark was ultimately passed by Barry Bonds, he stills hold the MLB records from most R.B.I.'s (2,297) and total bases (6,856), forever placing an indelible stamp on baseball history. During the 1973 and 1974 campaigns, this timeless lumber possibly connected with one of Tom Seaver's blazing fastballs or Bob Gibson's filthy sliders, perhaps even resulting in one of Aaron's 755 long balls. Just holding this captivating piece of ash wood sent chills up and down the spines of Memory Lane's staff, and we are sure its proud new owner will be provided with the same enthralling sensation! - Full PSA LOAs Included (PSA GU 8 - Certification #1B26983)/Consignor Letter of Provenance


MIN BID $2,500
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