Joe DiMaggio became an American hero at a time when Americans had little to feel heroic about. He was an American idol when America struggled with idealism. This wonderful ballplayer exhibited grace and class in a game that less than two decades prior had been blemished by a gambling scandal. When DiMaggio voluntarily enlisted in the Army on September 15 1945 at the peak of his baseball career fans were at once both awed and concerned. In the years prior to entering military service DiMaggio had won two consecutive batting titles and American League MVP Awards in 1939 and 1941 as well as averaging 33 home runs and 135 RBI per year over his first five seasons. And there was the matter of his 56-game hitting streak widely regarded then and now as the most spectacular feat in baseball history. DiMaggio was simply the best all-around player in the game. After safely rejoining his New York Yankees for Spring Training in 1946 DiMaggio quickly dispelled fears among those who worried that DiMaggio's prime years were irretrievably lost. The "Yankee Clipper" won his third MVP Award in 1947 and reestablished himself as the games most revered figure. Offered here is an incredible game used bat used by Joe DiMaggio as he reclaimed his rightful position at the top of the game and in fact as he participated in World Series competition. Dating from 1946-47 the H&B 125 model features the large facsimile signature of DiMaggio burned deeply into the barrel. Its logo stampings are likewise prominent and solid. The 36" 34.3-oz. bat exhibits considerable evidence of use including a crack in the handle (visible under close scrutiny) and rack marks on the barrel. At one time the bat had a chip at the edge of the knob; that has been repaired and which is now virtually undetectable.

The bats exceptional lineage can be traced to long-time New York Yankees specialist Gary Borress. Borress founded Diamond Memories Inc. in the mid-1980s and his firm concentrated on Yankees publicity signing sessions and agency representation for past members of the team. Through the course of his work Borress became very friendly with former Yankees hurler Tommy Byrne. During his first visit to Byrne's home Borress was treated to the sight of many of Byrnes career mementos including this amazing Joe DiMaggio game used bat -- which Byrne indicated had been used in "the World Series." Tommy explained that he and the "Yankee Clipper" became friends and that he was given this bat by Joe D. sometime in the '50s (after Joe had retired and Byrne was still playing). Borress acquired the bat directly from Byrne in 1989 and has held it in his possession ever since that time. An LOA from Borress accompanies. Given its outstanding player characteristics and World Series attribution this easily ranks among the finest DiMaggio "gamers" weve handled. Additional LOA from PSA/DNA (Graded GU 9).