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Here is an opportunity to obtain a rare game used bat from one of the original members of the New York Mets, one of history's most beloved teams. Drafted by the New York Mets from the Yankees on November 27, 1961, Rod Kanehl was arguably the fans' favorite player during the inaugural season of The Amazin' Mets. This was due to his blue collar attitude, which was exemplary for a team that lost a modern-era record 120 games in its first season. In 1962 Spring Training, Kanehl worked tirelessly for a spot on the roster -- he leaped over an outfield wall in pursuit of a fly ball and he scored from second on a wild pitch. His attitude and all-out play earned him the nickname "Hot Rod." In fact, the first banner ever held up during a Mets home game read "Hot Rod Kanehl." He was a favorite of Mets skipper Casey Stengel, and played in 340 games for the club between 1962-1964, appearing at every position except catcher and pitcher. When Stengel died in 1975, Kanehl was the only former Mets player who was present at the funeral. During his career, Kanehl batted .241 and accrued six home runs, 47 RBI, 103 runs, 23 doubles and 17 stolen bases. On July 6, 1962 Hot Rod hit the first grand slam home run in Mets history.
This bat was manufactured by the Hillerich & Bradsby Company. It has Rod Kanehl's last name stamped on the barrel in block letters as he did not have an endorsement contract with the company at the time of manufacture. This bat has what is commonly referred to as 1950-60 era labeling. The Model Number D2 is stamped into the knob of this bat. The bat has a natural, or regular, finish, which has taken on a darkened patina over time. It measures 35 inches in length and currently weighs approximately 32 ounces. This bat has sustained an apparent non-displaced crack in the handle that has been covered with a post-crack application of vintage tape. The approximately 6 inch taped area begins approximately 10 inches from the knob, extending toward the barrel. This bat exhibits traces of pine tar residue, significant knob wear, hit marks, ball marks, cleat marks, rack marks and a small area of grain separation on the back of the barrel.
This is an opportunity to obtain a bat used by former Major Leaguer Rod Kanehl from his early playing days in the New York Yankee organization before he was drafted by Casey Stengel's "Amazin' Mets" in the Mets' historical first season. View Lot Detail page
This bat was manufactured by the Hillerich & Bradsby Company. It has Rod Kanehl's last name stamped on the barrel in block letters as he did not have an endorsement contract with the company at the time of manufacture. This bat has what is commonly referred to as 1950-60 era labeling. The Model Number D2 is stamped into the knob of this bat. The bat has a natural, or regular, finish, which has taken on a darkened patina over time. It measures 35 inches in length and currently weighs approximately 32 ounces. This bat has sustained an apparent non-displaced crack in the handle that has been covered with a post-crack application of vintage tape. The approximately 6 inch taped area begins approximately 10 inches from the knob, extending toward the barrel. This bat exhibits traces of pine tar residue, significant knob wear, hit marks, ball marks, cleat marks, rack marks and a small area of grain separation on the back of the barrel.
This is an opportunity to obtain a bat used by former Major Leaguer Rod Kanehl from his early playing days in the New York Yankee organization before he was drafted by Casey Stengel's "Amazin' Mets" in the Mets' historical first season. View Lot Detail page