(LOT 2050)
Willie Stargell Game-Used Hillerich & Bradsby Bat (1970–72 Labeling Period/Model #K44) – Full PSA/John Taube Game-Used 9 LOA (PSA Cert #1B27173) & Consignor Letter of Provenance
One of baseball's most celebrated all-time sluggers is Hall of Famer Willie "Pops" Stargell who received his iconic nickname via his unequivocal leadership during his late-1970s Pittsburgh Pirates tenure. Playing 21 seasons in Pittsburgh, Stargell accumulated 475 home runs, 1,540 R.B.I.s and a stellar .889 OPS. Most significantly, he was one of the leading cogs for the Pirates' 1971 World Series title (along with Roberto Clemente), and the irrefutable main driver of the 1979 championship team. Indeed, Stargell's 1979 N.L. MVP campaign ultimately spearheaded Pittsburgh to another title, with Willie becoming the Pirates' elder statesmen as well as a worshiped icon in the "Steel City". It is with great excitement that we now offer this incredible Willie Stargell game-used piece of lumber, weighing nearly 36 ounces, with a labeling period dated to the 1970-72 era.

Indeed, this colossal-sized GU 9 bat was conceivably utilized by Stargell during his 1971 season when he led the Senior Circuit with a spectacular 48 round-trippers while knocking in 125 runs. In fact, from 1970 through 1972, he blasted 112 dingers, averaging 34 homers over that three-year period for which PSA's John Taube has identified as the definitive era when this particular bat was factory ordered for Stargell. Who could possibly forget this 6' 2" roughly 200 lb. first baseman standing in the batter's box while twirling his bat in circles directly before the pitch as if it was a mere toothpick. It comes as little surprise that the seven-time All-Star won the Roberto Clemente Award in 1974 due to his extraordinary character, community involvement and positive contributions both on and off the field. All of the aforementioned achievements substantiate the significance of this outstanding offering that our consignor truly treasured for the past 40+ years.

Assigned an extremely formidable "Game-Used 9" bat by PSA's prestigious bat expert John Taube, the accompanying PSA LOA's provide the following critical data including Manufacturer (Hillerich & Bradsby); Model Number (K44); Labeling Period (1970-72); Length (36 Inches); Weight (35.9 Ounces); Wood Type (Ash); and Finish (Standard). There is evidence of excellent use, and a previous handle crack has been professional repaired, with portions of the right, left and back barrel exhibiting numerous ball marks. Green and red bat racks streaks are evident on the top of the barrel, the K44 model number is stamped on the knob, and Stargell's retired player number (8) is written in black marker likewise on the knob. As an added feature, the handle has been taped in a classic spiral pattern, with the upper tape removal leaving several tape remnants and residue on the handle.

The "Standard" surface finish includes the renowned "LOUISVILLE SLUGGER – 125 – HILLERICH & BRADSBY – LOUISVILLE, KY." Trademark and the ultra-desirable "Willie Stargell" facsimile autograph, with both retaining a majority of their original bold black text. An extraordinary heirloom from the prime of Willie Stargell's HOF career, it conjures up vivid memories of how this left-handed slugger dominated National League pitchers for two decades, and to date, "Pops" is still the only MLB player to capture the following three awards in a single season: League MVP, Championship Series MVP, and World Series MVP. This grand offering is a testament for his remarkable Pirates legacy, utilized by the immortal Stargell during the early 1970s when he dominated the batter's box as good if not better than any of his peers! - Full PSA LOAs Included (PSA GU 8.5 - Certification #1B27173)/Consignor Letter of Provenance

MIN BID $1,000
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