Kell bats

[earlywynnfan]

For anyone out there with access to the LV records, when did George Kell use 35" F4 bats? and are there any records of this size/model index bats being shipped?

Thanks, Ken

[MSpecht]

Hi Ken-

In the H & B factory records, there is documentation that George Kell only ordered one order of Model F4 bats in 35 inch length during his playing career. From September 1943 through July 1957, the only time Kell received 35 inch Model F4 bats was an order shipped on 2/14/47, where there were 6 Model F4 bats sent with a notation "33 to 35" in the length column, and 33/35 notation in the weight column. All other orders of F4 bats during 1946 and 1947 were 34 inches in length. The final order of two 34" F4 bats during his playing career was shipped on 7/3/47 (All Star bats).

The most frequently ordered models Kell used during his career were H83 (1949-1951, and mid-50s), R46 (late 40s and 1953), and M159 (1956-1957). He also used several other models to a lesser extent throughout his career. The total number of F4 bats ordered shown on H & B records is 26, with 2 being 33", 22 being 34", and 2 being 35". Over 95 % of all bats ordered by Kell throughout his career were 34 inches in length, with only 3 orders of R43 at 34.5 inches, and 1 order of R43 at 35".

Following his playing career, Kell ordered 2 signature Model F4 bats 34 inches in 1965 and 12 signature Model F4 bats 33 inches in 1968.

Good Luck in future collecting.

Mike