Johnny Vander Meer 1940 Kren's Special store model bat

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by KrenBats

I hesitated in responding to this post because I could definitely feel the excitement in acquiring this bat. I'll share my opinion, for what it's worth.

Johnny Vandermeer did play for Syracuse in 1937 and many of the Syracuse players used Kren bats. There are stories that Joe Kren Jr. would fill a wagon of Kren bats and take them to the players before the games. So it makes sense that Vandermeer used Kren bats at some point in his career.

I've attached a 1940 Kren Retail Catalog which offered a Johnny Vandermeer Autograph Model. You're right, pitcher endorsed models are very rare but my guess is Kren was capitalizing on the back to back no hitters and signed Vandermeer. As you can see from the Auto models offered, Kren did a horrible job in getting the top players of the time to endorse their bats compared to H&B. This is probably what did them in.

Also this bat is a No KSN model which is the Kren's Special - Natural Finish, with lengths 33" to 36".

As for "Hand Turned", not all Kren game used bats have that inside the diamond logo. Again, many of the Kren bats found in the H&B Barn Find had model numbers and almost all had the name in block letters.

Given that this bat matches the Retail Catalog, is foil stamped and marked 35"on the knob, my opinion is that it is a store model bat.

Hey Mike,

Thanks for the excellent detailed info. I'll chock this purchase up to a lesson learned, but I still like the bat for my collection.

I do appreciate knowing the facts about the bat, so thanks for checking in with your great knowledge.

[sayhey24]

I still think it's a beautiful piece and a tremendous addition to your Johnny Vander Meer collection!

Greg

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by sayhey24

I still think it's a beautiful piece and a tremendous addition to your Johnny Vander Meer collection!

Greg

Thanks Greg, Brock, JJ and all that checked in. Live and learn.
It is great to have resident experts on net54 that can really help.

[slidekellyslide]

Well, with the info posted here by an expert I don't think I'd sit on this bat...you clearly deserve a refund and I think you should seek it.

[yanks12025]

Dan,
Agree he sold go after a refund. But really the seller didn't list the bat wrong, in the listing they never mention it being a game used bat.

[slidekellyslide]

Originally Posted by yanks12025

Dan,
Agree he sold go after a refund. But really the seller didn't list the bat wrong, in the listing they never mention it being a game used bat.

I didn't know that...I thought it was sold to him as a gamer.

[yanks12025]

Just read it again, they do take returns if you decide you don't like it. That's good

[Lordstan]

Scott,
Sorry to see your centerpiece item not be what you thought. I think it is still a beautiful example and likely very uncommon as you noted pitcher's bats are.
I hope you didn't get killed on the price.
Mark