Willie Mays game used bat PURCHASED
 

I’ll try to get more pictures, but but can somebody help me with this? A guy who comes into my store was friends with the Pittsburgh Pirates batboy. And loved Willie Mays. The batboy gave this to him after Willie Mays broke it in a game vs the Pirates. Can anyone help me out with approximate year, value, etc? I told him to get me some pics of the center brand and knob. Thanks!

I don’t think it’s a pro bat. What’s on the knob?

I’ll get better pictures tonight. And I’m a t206 guy, not a post war guy. But there is no reason for this guy to lie. He wasn’t even aware it had value because he said it was cracked. He taped it up and had it in his basement for the last 30+ years. I’ll get better pictures tonight.

The bottom is stamped M63 and has 24 written in marker. The 2 is pretty prominent and the 4 is fading away and almost turning a reddish color. Does this signify anything?

The knob looks perfect and the number “fading to red” is not a big concern. I have seen quite a few Mays Gamers where his “24” on the knob was applied in red marker. It is likely that the red ink faded or became too light, and was marketed over in black. The red visible underneath is actually a positive in my book.

I believe this to be a mid-late 1960s example, but others here can confirm that. I personally might remove the tape and repair the crack discretely, but that’s up to you. Restored cracks are not normally frowned upon in this segment of the hobby. Since Mays was not known to use grip tape, it’s not like you’re removing something original to the bat.

It would be a crime to remove an original tape job, like Griffey Jr’s criss-cross taped handle. But this tape is just a distraction that was not there when in Mays' possession. Hope this helps, and nice bat!

Thanks Mark for the helpful information! The guy was born in 1956 and thinks he was about 9-12 when he received this. His best friend was the Pirates bat boy. His favorite player was Willie Mays. He never asked for the bat, but once it was broken the batboy grabbed it for his friend. He kept it his whole life thinking that because it was broken, it had no value. So the mid to late 60s assessment makes sense. Thanks again Mark!

Hey Brendan - Sorry for my rash assessment as “no good”….the “Big Stick” threw me. As it turns out, Adirondack started using that in 1968. An M63 is exactly what you want to see on a Mays gamer. According to Vince Malta’s book, length should be 35”; weight should be 33-33.5 ounces.

I believe that's an early 70s bat, but it's a bit tough to tell for sure given the chipping/wear to the center label.

Edited: No, on third look it looks 68-70. I can see the tee-pee at the top part of the center label.

Not a problem Rob. I always appreciate both perspectives. And 1968 is right about the exact year he received it. Once in hand I’ll post better pictures!

He also has a Roger Freed game used bat. Whoever that was…

If I recall, he was supposed to replace Johnny Callison as the Phillies' rightfielder, but that didn't work out.

cool looking bat and interesting history of His bats.

Congrats on the piece

Was able to purchase the bat. Looks way nicer in person. So excited!

Pictures!!!!!

Pics as requested. Pretty pumped about this one!

You have every right to be pumped! :p

Congratulations. I find it hard to believe that there's any bat collector that wouldn't love to have that one or any collection that wouldn't be elevated by it.
Take good care of it!

Thanks fellas!!

Congratulations on that addition to your collection!

Very cool! Congrats on the awesome new addition to your collection!

Thanks Mike and Gary!