Presented here is an incredible offering from one of the greatest power hitters in baseball history: Harmon Killebrew’s game-used and autographed bat that he swung to smack his 507th career home run on September 6 1971. The two-run shot came in the 4th inning off Joe Horlen of the Chicago White Sox. Killebrew went 2-4 with 4 RBI in the game as his Minnesota Twins pounded Chicago 10-3 at Old Comiskey Park. The special Hillerich & Bradsby / Louisville Slugger piece of lumber has been graded PSA/DNA GU 9 and comes with impeccable provenance from his former Twins teammate Phil Roof who was the team’s starting catcher that game. Afterwards Killebrew signed and inscribed the barrel “Phil – all the Best – Harmon Killebrew - #507” in slightly bleeding 7/10 blue marker and gave the bat to Roof. Harmon was known to document many of his home run bats in this manner.

Despite his "Killer" nickname Harmon Killebrew was a quiet kind man who did not take much to the partying lifestyle enjoyed by many of his peers. The 5’11” right-handed slugger became one of the American League's most feared power hitters in the 1960’s belting 40 homers in a season eight times. In 1971 in his 18th MLB season at the age of 35 Killebrew had one of his last great seasons belting 28 dingers and knocking in an A.L.-leading 119 runs. He also led the league in walks with 114 as pitchers were still very afraid of him. The ’71 season would mark his 13th and final All-Star appearance another accolade to add to the Hall of Famer’s tremendous resume. Killebrew currently sits at #12 on the all-time home run list with 573.

The 35-inch 30.2-oz. ash bat is uncracked and exhibits outstanding game use. Grain swelling from repeated ball contact is evident on the back barrel. Mounting holes on the handle and center brand have been repaired. Many ball marks are visible all over the barrel as is a moderate coat of pine tar on the handle. The model number “S207” is stamped into the knob along with Harmon’s No. “3” in black marker. Fresh to the hobby after 45 plus years in a former MLB player's possession this offered home run bat represents an incredible keepsake for the esteemed bat connoisseur or Killebrew collector alike.

Includes LOA from Phil Roof. Full LOA (1B12714) from John Taube of PSA/DNA with grade of GU 9.

Provenance: This lot comes directly from the personal collection of former MLB catcher Phil Roof who logged 15 seasons (1961 1964-77) behind the dish with nine different franchises most notably the Minnesota Twins. Roof spent five consecutive years (1971-76) with the Twins where he was teammates with Harmon Killebrew. Following his playing career Roof served as a bullpen coach for three teams before managing in the Twins organization for 16 years (mostly in the PCL) until retiring from full-time duties in 2005. He received each of the bats featured in this auction directly from the players as gifts.