Why Would This Guy Ruin A Perfectly Good Antique Baseball Bat?

[Den*nis O*Brien]

It is probably a regional name but these great tools are commonly called "Cant Hooks" in the upper mid-west. They are indeed log rollers and are very efficient at rolling logs w/limbs removed. This example is mine and was used on a bunch of logging projects before processors and modern skidders came to be. They seem to always be hickory. I used this one on and off for 30+ years and never broke a handle. But every vintage example I have seen have holes for carriage bolts for the hook sleeve. They are still being made and sold for around $100 or less. Vintage examples are in most antique shops and farm auctions. There is a longer variant of the "Cant Hook" designed for 2 people that has 2 opposing hooks in the middle. Knob ends look like baseball bat knobs and if cut in half would make 2 bat like items. This version could avoid the carriage bolt holes.