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Bill Dickey was one of the most famous catchers in Major League history. He played his entire career with the New York Yankees, appeared in eight World Series, and won seven World Series championships. He broke into the majors in 1928 and played his first full season in 1929. It was his first of ten seasons out of eleven with a .300-plus batting average. Although his offensive production was overshadowed by Yankees greats Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Joe DiMaggio, in the late 1930s Dickey posted some of the finest offensive seasons ever by a catcher, hitting over 20 home runs with 100 RBI in four consecutive seasons (1936 - 1939). His 1936 batting average of .362 is the highest single-season average ever recorded by a catcher (tied with Mike Piazza of L.A. Dodgers in 1997). Dickey was also noted for his ability to handle pitchers and his strong throwing arm.
Bill Dickey bats, both game used professional models and retail 40 B.D. models, are among the most difficult bats to find from the Yankees' powerhouse teams of the 1920s and 1930s. Here is an outstanding example that has several intriguing aspects to it.
First, while his Bill Dickey 40 B.D. model bat is representative of bats made for retail sale by Hillerich & Bradsby in the 1920s and 1930s, they also found their way into semi-pro, college, and Minor League ranks. Based on the specifications of bats used by star players of the period who endorsed the company's products, these bats were purchased and used by various athletic teams as well as the public. There is no documented evidence of use in the Major Leagues of this model. However, this bat was sourced directly from Louisville Slugger in the late 1980s, indicating that it was, at some point, returned to H & B, possibly for additional orders. On the knob, along with the number 35, suggesting the length, are the initials O.B.C., likely standing for a specific (unidentified) baseball team (club) that had so labeled the bat at the time of return, or was identified at the H & B factory at the time of the bat's return.
Second, a key to store model bats of this period is condition. Here is an excellent example of Bill Dickey's model that has been used, but not abused in any way. Evidence of use is present with hit marks and cleat marks on the barrel, and light pine tar remnants on the handle. .A slight nondisplaced crack appears on the handle, with professional vintage repair common to the period. This crack does not affect the display quality of this bat at all.
A final factor in the selection of a collectible store model bat is that it be specific to a player's career and to the dimensions of bats known to be used by the player. This example boasts a rich brown patina to the finish that is highlighted by deep branding of the labels. Labeling suggests manufacture in the late 1920s to early 1930s, specific to Dickey's career. Add the unworn barrel label exhibiting Bill Dickey as the inspiration of this model, and this 35 inch, 37 ounce beauty, consistent with bats used by the 10-time All Star throughout his career, will be a valued addition to any collection..View Lot Detail page
Bill Dickey bats, both game used professional models and retail 40 B.D. models, are among the most difficult bats to find from the Yankees' powerhouse teams of the 1920s and 1930s. Here is an outstanding example that has several intriguing aspects to it.
First, while his Bill Dickey 40 B.D. model bat is representative of bats made for retail sale by Hillerich & Bradsby in the 1920s and 1930s, they also found their way into semi-pro, college, and Minor League ranks. Based on the specifications of bats used by star players of the period who endorsed the company's products, these bats were purchased and used by various athletic teams as well as the public. There is no documented evidence of use in the Major Leagues of this model. However, this bat was sourced directly from Louisville Slugger in the late 1980s, indicating that it was, at some point, returned to H & B, possibly for additional orders. On the knob, along with the number 35, suggesting the length, are the initials O.B.C., likely standing for a specific (unidentified) baseball team (club) that had so labeled the bat at the time of return, or was identified at the H & B factory at the time of the bat's return.
Second, a key to store model bats of this period is condition. Here is an excellent example of Bill Dickey's model that has been used, but not abused in any way. Evidence of use is present with hit marks and cleat marks on the barrel, and light pine tar remnants on the handle. .A slight nondisplaced crack appears on the handle, with professional vintage repair common to the period. This crack does not affect the display quality of this bat at all.
A final factor in the selection of a collectible store model bat is that it be specific to a player's career and to the dimensions of bats known to be used by the player. This example boasts a rich brown patina to the finish that is highlighted by deep branding of the labels. Labeling suggests manufacture in the late 1920s to early 1930s, specific to Dickey's career. Add the unworn barrel label exhibiting Bill Dickey as the inspiration of this model, and this 35 inch, 37 ounce beauty, consistent with bats used by the 10-time All Star throughout his career, will be a valued addition to any collection..View Lot Detail page