Hall of Famers Leo Durocher and Pepper Martin were teammates with the St. Louis Cardinals from 1933-37 which included the memorable World Championship season of 1934. Like most elite players constantly seeking every advantage to improve experimentation with different bats was a common practice amongst teammates in their era. Hence Leo Durochers adoption of the offered Pepper Martin bat during the 1936 season. The 35 inch 33.1 ounce Hillerich & Bradsby Pepper Martin professional model bat shows evidence of heavy use with a handle crack. Many ball marks are visible on the right left and back barrel. Cleat marks are visible on the front and back barrel. The handle is taped with three rings but one has been removed and the shadow remains visible. Mailing labels are still attached to the front and back barrel. The outstanding feature of sidewriting visible on the left barrel in vintage grease pencil reads '5-20-36 33oz Leo Durocher. 5-20-36 St Louis National League. The appearance of this factory side writing is clear evidence that Durocher borrowed Martins gamer and was quite pleased with its features. Durocher had the bat sent back to the H&B factory to request models of the same type be made for himself. Upon receipt an area on the barrel was planed and inscribed with the length and weight players name date received and team affiliation. The condition of the sidewriting is outstanding. Additionally an attached shipping label remains in tact on the bat that clearly notes "from Leo Durocher St. Louis Cardinals".

According to John Taube of PSA/DNA there are only two bats known that can be attributed to Leo Durocher. One has his last name in block letters and resides in a private collection. The subject bat is the other. There is no provenance connected to the block lettered bat. In light of the side writing and attached shipping labels this is the only known bat that can be placed directly in the hands of Leo Durocher. Includes a LOA from John Taube of PSA/DNA (Grade GU8).