2024 Fall Premier
Wed, Nov 6, 2024 01:00PM EST - Sat, Nov 23, 2024 10:30PM EST
Lot 18
1951 Ted Williams Game Used Hillerich & Bradsby 'W166' Professional Model Bat with Ideal Aesthetics - PSA/DNA GU 10
Sold for
$96,000
Sold Price includes BP
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $200 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $30,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $25,000 |
| $500,000 | $50,000 |
| $1,000,000 | $100,000 |
| $1,500,000 | $150,000 |
Nobody was more dedicated to the art of hitting than Ted Williams. Equipped with laser vision, lightning reflexes, unnerving patience and chiseled forearms, the “Splendid Splinter” also brought a heavy dose of confidence that bordered on sheer arrogance. If Williams wasn't the greatest pure hitter of all time – an acclaim which he fervently sought – he certainly was the best of his generation. The sweet-swinging lefty terrorized American League pitching from 1939 to '60. His career résumé is filled with storied accolades – two AL MVPs, six batting titles and a .344 lifetime average, 521 homers (led AL four times), five RBI crowns, and 2,654 hits – despite losing four prime seasons to military service as a combat aviator during World War II (1943-45) and the Korean War (1952).
“Teddy Ballgame” used this Hillerich & Bradsby ash bat during the 1951 season, according to PSA/DNA’s John Taube who evaluated the H&B order records and its unique specs. The ’51 campaign was Ted’s healthiest and most productive from the latter half of his career. He batted .318 with 30 homers, 126 RBI, 109 runs, and an AL-best 144 walks over 148 games and 531 official at-bats.
Measuring 35” and a weighing a bulky 36.8 ounces, the professional model ‘W166’ remains uncracked with outstanding evidence of use. Grain swelling and ball marks from repeated contact cover the barrel. There is a light coat of gripping substance (mixture of olive oil and resin that Ted was prone to use) on the handle. The model number “W166” is stamped into the knob and Ted’s iconic No. “9” is penned in black there as well. With such ideal aesthetics, it’s no wonder Taube graded this beauty a perfect 10. A large, eye-catching ball mark on the front barrel alongside Ted’s insignia and the Louisville Slugger brand makes this bat destined for prominent display. Wherever it ends up, this legendary piece of lumber survives as a premium tool of the American hero whose book, The Science of Hitting, continues to educate and inspire.
Includes full LOA from PSA/DNA with perfect GU 10 grade. According to the PSA/DNA bat pop report, this is Ted’s only GU 10 bat used solely in the ’51 season. (There is one GU 10 from 1951-52.)
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