This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/22/2019
One of the most beloved players in the long history of the Chicago Cubs, Hall of Famer Ernie Banks played for 19 seasons in "The Windy City" and topped the 40 homer mark five times, earning back to back National League MVP awards in 1958 and 1959. Although a true legend of the post-war era, Banks never played in the post season, coming closest in 1969 when the Cubs appeared to finally be on their way to the playoffs but were derailed when they suffered a late season collapse following a contest with the New York Mets in the infamous "Black Cat" game. At the tail end of his career, Banks used this 35", 31.5 ounce H&B Louisville Slugger model M159 bat, with shipping records indicating that Banks ordered this particular model bat from June 1970 (just after hitting career homer #500) through September 1971. The bat shows no cracks and displays heavy game use in the form of ball marks, stitch indentations, considerable pine tar residue and bat rack scuffs as well as grain swelling around the barrel. In true Wrigley Field style, this bat has the appropriate "Yosh" mark, a term for when equipment manager Yosh Kawano would write a black marker notation of the "M159" model number to the right of the centerbrand. An absolutely perfect example of an Ernie Banks gamer! LOA from John Taube - PSA/DNA with a grade of 8.5.