Mathews was one of the most feared hitters in baseball throughout his 17-season playing career. He began playing for the Boston Braves in 1952 and moved with the team to Milwaukee the following year. After Hank Aaron joined the team in 1954, the two sluggers became the most feared one-two punch in baseball. Mathews led the National League in home runs twice, in 1953 and 1959, and was named to 12 All Star teams. He also helped lead the Braves to a World Series victory in 1957 and returned to the Series to repeat the feat in his final year, while playing for the Detroit Tigers in 1968. When Mathews retired in 1968, he and teammate Aaron had combined to hit 863 home runs; Mathews finished with 512 round-trippers and was elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1975.
This is an Eddie Mathews game-used professional model baseball bat manufactured by the Hillerich & Bradsby Company. It is a signature model with Mathews' name stamped in script on the barrel as he had an endorsement contract with the company at the time of manufacture.
This bat has what is commonly referred to as 1961-64 era labeling, however is specific to 1962, the year of Mathews' final selection to the N.L. All-Star Team. The Model Number S2 is stamped into knob of this bat. The bat has a Flame Burned finish. It measures 36 inches in length and currently weighs approximately 34 1/2 ounces. It is noteworthy that the weight of this bat at the time of manufacture, 34 1/2 ounces, is written on the knob as requested by Mathews (mk wts) and noted in his personal H & B records. A review of his personal Hillerich & Bradsby factory shipping records documents one order of model S2 bats during this labeling period matching the dimensions (36 inches / 34.5 ounces) and finish (FB) of this bat. That order of six bats was shipped on 4/26/62.
The number 41 is evident on both the knob and barrel end of this bat, written in vintage marker. Mathews wore uniform number 41 during his seasons with the Boston / Milwaukee / Atlanta Braves (1952-66.) This bat is uncracked and exhibits light game use characteristics, including surface marks, rack marks, and swelling. This bat is accompanied by Letters of Authentication from both MEARS (# 304192 -- A 7) and PSA/DNA (E36442 / 81730627 -- GU 6.)
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