Lot # 1: 1970s Sadaharu Oh (HOF) Autographed Game Bat

Category: Sadaharu Oh

Starting Bid: $3,000.00

Bids: 4 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Auction 56 Ended 11/17/2019",
which ran from 10/29/2019 2:00 PM to
11/16/2019 11:00 PM



Japan Pro Baseball game equipment from 50 years ago is almost never seen. Signed game equipment is even scarcer. Traditionally, all Japanese game equipment was the property of the team and was not allowed out of the clubhouse. Moreover, on the rare occasions that players presented equipment to others, the recipient was given brand new equipment, as it was a show of disrespect to provide a used gift. This 34 1/2", 955g (33.7 oz.) beauty (typical of Oh bat specifications over the years) was specially produced for the immortal Sadaharu Oh's use in games. Oh's bats were traditionally manufactured by the Jun Ishii Bat Co., and this one is no exception. One can see the company name and logo stamped on the bat. Other terms such as "Supergrade", "Hot & distance" and "Jun Ishii's Patented" are stamped on the barrel. The knob features the English inscription "Special Order Made For". It is said that Sadaharu Oh was using the cupped bat before it became a fixture of American Major League Baseball. This bat is an example of the cupped design.

Oh autographed this bat in black marker during the 1970s, along with the phrase, "Giants army", and with an inscription to "Togazaki". We are not certain as to whether this is a person's name or the name of a company or business, or a small town. The bat exhibits minor scratching and nicks and very little, if any actual use. As such, this bat is a rare testament to the world's home run king.

Size: 34 1/2", 955 grams (33.7 oz.)

Condition: Autograph--9 out of 10. Inscriptions--8 out of 10. Bat exhibits very little if any use. Minor scratching in spots.

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