Bill Madlock enjoyed an outstanding 15-year MLB career (1973-87) that ended with over 2,000 hits, a .305 lifetime average and four NL batting titles. Coming up with the Cubs, he finished third in Rookie-of-the-Year voting in 1974 before winning back-to-back NL batting crowns the following two seasons in Chicago. The third baseman was traded to Pittsburgh midway through the ’79 season and helped the “We Are Family” Pirates win the World Series that fall. He spent seven seasons in the Steel City (1979-85) where he earned two of his three All-Star nods.

Offered here is the shiny silver bat award presented to Bill Madlock as the 1981 National League batting champion. During that strike-shortened season, he batted .341 in 82 games with only 17 strikeouts in 320 plate appearances, demonstrating the type of hand-eye coordination that fans came to know and love about “Mad Dog.” The most he ever struck out in a season was 53 times.

The trophy bat, modeled after a Bill Madlock Louisville Slugger professional model, measures 33” long and weighs 28.9 ounces made Silver Plate with a silver finish. “BATTING CHAMPION 1981, NATIONAL LEAGUE, B.A. .341” is engraved on the barrel in fine detail. The bat remains in excellent condition with just some minor scratches from handling. It has aged remarkably well for being nearly 45 years old. Includes a letter of provenance from Madlock as well as a PSA/DNA LOA from bat authenticator John Taube.