Often described as a "picture player" Joe DiMaggio epitomized grace on the baseball diamond-- both at bat and in center field. "The Yankee Clipper" used an unusually wide stance in winning two batting championships and three MVP awards. In 13 seasons he amassed 361 homers averaged 118 RBI annually and compiled a .325 lifetime batting mark. But the numbers are only a fractional component of Joe DiMaggios immeasurable legacy. "It is not for DiMaggio's records that we remember him" wrote Ira Berkow of The New York Times. "He is best remembered for the persona of Joe DiMaggio. He remains a symbol of excellence power and to be sure gentleness." DiMaggio became an American hero at a time when Americans weary from the Great Depression had little to feel heroic about. He was an idol when America struggled with idealism. Exuding grace and elegance in a game that less than two decades prior had been blemished by a gambling scandal DiMaggio defined an era of American resurgence helping to pick up a beleaguered nation by its boot straps. Years after his retirement and even to this day fans marvel not only at his exploits on the diamond but also at his extraordinary traits as an American.

Among the stringent requirements for a bat to receive PSA/DNAs top grade of GEM MINT 10 is that it must possess extraordinary player use characteristics. Never has that requirement been fulfilled to such a degree as with the Joe Dimaggio bat offered here. This 36" 36.8 ounce model D29L bat is documented by factory records as having been produced specifically for DiMaggio's use during the 1946-49 period when the gallant Yankees hero reigned supreme among baseball's biggest stars. It exhibits signs of heavy use with a handle crack and a concentration of ball marks and deep ball stitch impressions on the left barrel. As a result of the ball contact there is very slight grain separation just above DiMaggio's branded name. Several blue bat rack streaks are visible on the right left and top barrel. There is a moderate coat of a gripping substance on the handle. The model number (D29L) is stamped into the knob. Joe DiMaggios signature and added inscription 'Best Wishes' appears on the front barrel in black marker. Two notable player characteristics can be found on this Joe DiMaggio professional model bat. Namely the concentrated left barrel contact area and the gripping substance on the handle. Period photography of DiMaggio throughout his career picture Joe as a label up hitter. As a right handed batter this label up grip results in a left barrel contact area. It is also interesting to note that no ball marks are visible on the right or back barrel which confirms further the use of the bat by a label up hitter. The application and the amount of the gripping substance are also identifiable to DiMaggio during the referenced labeling period. An accompanying photograph (shown here) pictures DiMaggio at the bat rack (c.1946-49) with Yankee teammates holding an incredibly similar bat bearing nearly identical treatment characteristics.

This extraordinary bat displays virtually every known thumbprint for a DiMaggio gamer of the era. It retains excellent display quality in addition to ideal provenance having originated from the personal collection of Cy Jones (see collection intro). The bat is accompanied by a photo of DiMaggio signed on the matte "To Cy Jones With my warm personal regards Joe DiMaggio. Includes LOA from John Taube of PSA/DNA (Bat Grade GU10). Also includes a full LOA from PSA/DNA (signature on bat). Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (auto. on photo).