With Willie Mays of the Giants and Mickey Mantle of the Yankees the Dodgers' Duke Snider was one of a trio of Hall of Fame center fielders about whom fans debated one of the most frequently asked baseball questions of the 1950s: "Who's the best center fielder in New York?" At the dawn of the decade Snider made an early case for himself with a breakout season in 1950 that saw the young Dodgers star bat .321 with 31 homers and 127 RBI leading the NL in hits (199) and total bases (343).

Offered here is a rare and desirable early career model C117L Hillerich & Bradsby Duke Snider game bat. Markings and specifications including the earliest Ed Duke Snider version of his barrel signature stamping pinpoint the bat to the 1950 season. The 35inch 35.1 ounce bat shows evidence of outstanding use with a crack on the back barrel and a repair to a 6 inch piece that was previously missing. Many ball marks and ball stitch impressions are visible on the right barrel. Some checking (grain swelling) from repeated ball contact is visible on the right barrel. The handle has been scored to enhance the grip. The model number (C117L) is stamped into the knob. Duke Snider has added his signature and inscription 'Game Used 1950' on the front barrel in black marker which is an extremely rare feature. Our consignor obtained the autograph in person and related that upon signing the bat Snider acknowledged the fact that the handle scoring was done by him. Snider bats generally have taped handles. Snider further indicated that he scored the handle of this bat and that the scoring hurt his hands when swinging. He later preferred an application of handle tape to enhance the grip. The era of usage extent of visible use and the distinctive player characteristics make this is an appealing gamer from the hands of The Duke of Flatbush. Includes LOA from John Taube of PSA/DNA (grade GU8). Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (auto.)