A remarkable survivor of baseball's Depression era, this Babe Ruth Hillerich & Bradsby professional model game used bat unites premium vintage with strong provenance. Shipped to the Sultan of Swat in 1931, the bat was eventually gifted to another future Hall of Famer – a relative of Babe’s wife – five years down the road. The 1931 season holds special significance in Ruth's career: it marked his twelfth and final American League home run crown (46), confirming that he was still at the height of his powers when he swung this mighty lumber. That same year he batted .373, the fifth-highest average of his career, and drove in 162 runs, a total he bettered only in his storied 1921 and 1927 seasons. While the Yankees finished behind Connie Mack’s Athletics in the AL standings, the ’31 campaign was significant in that the Bambino reached 600 career home runs, a lonely club until Mays and Aaron joined him in ’69 and ’71, respectively.

Although no model number appears on the knob or barrel, PSA/DNA has identified the bat as a Spencer Harris model by consulting the H&B bat records. Ruth ordered only two models in 1931, his 5-14-27 (R34) and the Spencer Harris; a comparison of knob, handle and barrel dimensions ruled out the former. This Spencer Harris was ordered between August 5th and September 22nd, making it Ruth's final order of the 1931 season and placing this bat squarely in the second half of that year. The labeling confirms the date: the C-5B center brand (used 1928-1931) paired with the PP-2 "Powerized" variation to its right (used only in 1931) narrows the bat to a 1931 labeling period, according to Vince Malta's Louisville Slugger reference guide.

The ash bat with standard finish remains uncracked and shows light yet unmistakable game use. Ball marks on the left and back barrel and green bat rack paint on the upper handle have earned it a strong GU 8 grade from John Taube of PSA/DNA. Specs of white paint appear on the barrel, handle and knob. It measures just shy of 35” inches (34.75”), a length Ruth favored from 1927 through the end of his career in 1935. The weight of 37.3 ounces is consistent with the 37-38 oz. bats on Babe’s 1931 order records.

Mize Connection

A handwritten and signed note from Johnny Mize on his personal National Baseball Hall of Fame stationery gives this bat exceptional provenance. Encapsulated and graded PSA/DNA MINT 9 for Mize’s autograph and handwriting strength, the letter states that the bat was given to Mize by Babe Ruth in 1936 and closes with his best wishes. Although Mize later played for the Yankees from 1949 to 1953, he was a standout rookie with the St. Louis Cardinals when he received the bat. Notably, Mize was a second cousin of Ruth's wife, Claire, a family tie that brought the veteran superstar and the promising young hitter together. It is well-documented that Ruth kept many of his favorite game bats, particularly those that achieved milestones, and gave them to friends and family members. Unfortunately, the exact game and moment is lost to history.

Authentication

PSA/DNA GU 8 Letter of Grading and Authenticity (Cert. #1B32508). It should be noted that this bat was upgraded from GU 7.5 to GU 8 in 2025. Additional 2004 LOA from Dave Bushing of SCD (Sports Collectors Digest), which graded the bat A9 on its scale. Letter of provenance from Johnny Mize graded PSA/DNA MINT 9.