Spalding 'Model E' bats are considerably rarer than their more prevalent 'Gold Medal' or 'Player Autograph' models. This line of bats was a player-specific model the letter denoting particular star players: "B" for Frank Baker "S" for Tris Speaker and of course "E" for Evers. Johnny Evers was a Hall of Fame second baseman who spent most of his baseball years in Chicago with the Ophans/Cubs (1902-13) as a player also serving as manager with the Cubs in 1913 and 1921 as well as with the White Sox in 1924. Known for his high baseball IQ and short fuse he won three World Series as a player--two with the Cubs and a third with the Boston Braves in 1914 when he was also named National League MVP. He spent 3 1/2 seasons with the Braves at the tail end of his playing career.

This circa 1915 Johnny Evers Spalding Model E bat is un-cracked and exhibits evidence of excellent use with a small chip on the knob. Several ball marks are visible on the right left and back barrel. Stamped into the knob of the bat is "E.A. Howard." The familiar Spalding baseball trademark is not stamped on the knob or top of the barrel. The length of this Spalding Special E Model bat at 32 1/8th inches is 1/8th of an inch shorter than the 32.5 inch length noted in Spaldings catalog for a Johnny Evers bat. The weight at 36.1 inches is 6 to 9 ounces lighter. As with all of Spaldings professional model bats these 'Special Model Bats' did appear in Spaldings catalogs and were available to the public.

The 'E' Model has been photo-documented with Evers during the 1914 World Series confirming that these Special Order Model Bats were game used by the players in the Major Leagues. The models are very rare with the subject bat being only the second example seen by John Taube at its time of authentication. During the era Spalding was one of the leading suppliers of major league bats as well as retail bats. As previously noted their retail line of pro model bats was identical to the models used by MLB players. Their Autograph Series bats have been documented in several period photographs.

These 'Special Model Bats' are scarce while the Autograph Series bats are common. One likely reason for this is the commercial appeal of the Autograph Series bats which bore the likeness of the players signature. The bats were available to the public and sales of the Autograph Series bats exceeded those of the Special Model bats. We also believe the lack of commercial appeal of theseSpecial Model Bats implies a greater probability of the bats used by professional players. Additionally thisE model and the only otherE model in the PSA/DNA database are missing the Spalding trademark a further indication of a professional bat. We cannot identify the name E.A. Howard that appears on the knob but assume it is that of a player. The stamping does not appear to be factory applied.

After a thorough examination of this Spalding E Model bat by John Taube of PSA/DNA and its player use characteristics he rendered an opinion that the bat is authentic as described. Game used by Johnny Evers cannot be positively confirmed. Nonetheless this is a very rare and early Evers pro quality bat in superb condition with outstanding display quality.

Full LOA (1B09779) from John Taube of PSA/DNA.