Negro League Game Used Bats?
 

I know this is a LOOOOONG shot, but I'll ask anyway:

Does anyone have any examples or photos of a bat used by a Negro League player in the mid 1930's to early 1940's? I know Hillerich & Bradsby wouldn't give those guys signature models, but has anyone ever seen examples with block letters or other brands with some kind of provenance?

I know that most of the Negro League players ordered pro models of white big leaguers, for example Buck Leonard told historians he used the pro model bats of Senators player Len Okrie, which Clark Griffith ordered for the Grays along with his Senators bat order.

I'm working on an illustration of Sam Bankhead, circa 1936, and would like to show some brand of bat.

Like I said, a long shot, but if anyone knows, I suspect that person would be on Net54...

And if anyone has a Negro League gamer - Post it! Be interesting to see

Hi Gary,

I know Christies had a sale that included a lot of Negro League items including GU bats from players. The link is below if you want to check it out. Not sure if that will help you or not.

http://www.christies.com/SaleLanding...d=1&saletitle=


Ron

Very interesting question. I hope someone can help.

Thanks for posting that auction link - somehow I missed that one last year. A Pete Hill, Martin Dihigo, Oscar Charleston and JOSH GIBSON bat? That's some ultra-rare lumber!

The examples in the auction reinforces what I have learned about H&B making block lettered pro-model bats for Negro League players. The bats in the auction are mid-1920's to 1937 models and my illustration will be circa 1935-1940. I suppose it would not be out of line to show a block letter H&B or even a Spalding bat.

Thanks again for bringing that auction to my attention!

I agree. You'll be more than okay to portray a block letter last name only barrel, with no other barrel markings around the name.