Tweet
Harmon "Killer" Killebrew hit more home runs than any other right-handed batter in American League history. Signed originally as a bonus baby, Killebrew rusted on the Senators' bench for five years from the age 18-22, before getting a chance to prove his power. In 1959 he immediately slammed 42 homers in his first full season, the first of eight times he would reach the 40-mark. He retired with 573 homers, more than 2,000 hits, 1,500 RBIs and 1,500 walks. He is the greatest slugger in Minnesota Twins' history. In 1969 Killebrew put it all together, leading the AL in homers (49), RBI (140), walks (145) and OBP (.427). He was in the top three in almost every other offensive category and led the Twins to the first AL West crown while winning the A.L. Most Valuable Player Award. In 1984 he was elected to the national Baseball Hall-of-Fame.
This Harmon Killebrew game-used professional model baseball bat was manufactured by the Hillerich & Bradsby Company. It is a signature model with Killebrew's 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 1961-1964 era labeling. This labeling is characterized by the combination of smaller lettering beneath the center label with the presence of the "oblong o and looping d" version of the word POWERIZED on the barrel.
The model number D2 is stamped into knob of this bat. Killebrew's uniform number '3' is also written on the knob in black marker. The bat has a natural, or regular, finish. It measures 35 inches in length and currently weighs approximately 38 ounces. Of note is the pencil notation '39 1/2' on the knob, indicating the weight of the bat at the time of manufacture.
A review of Harmon Killebrew's personal Hillerich & Bradsby factory shipping records documents numerous orders of model D2 bats shipped to Killebrew during this labeling period. The weight of this bat however, as verified by the pencil notation on the knob, documents that this bat was shipped as part of one of two specific orders on either 8/9/61 or 8/14/61, a season when Killebrew lit up American League pitching with 46 Home runs and 122 RBIs.
This bat exhibits several rack marks and scuff marks which, along with Killebrew's uniform number on the knob, indicates that it had been prepared for game use. Killebrew has signed this bat on the sweet spot in black marker, including the inscription "My bat from 60's." The signature is clear and unhurried, and is a 'perfect 10.' This bat is accompanied by a Letter of Grading (81986504) and Authenticity (H53082) from Vince Malta and John Taube, PSA/DNA who grade this bat GU 6.
Here is an opportunity to obtain an outstanding bat from Harmon Killebrew's 1961 season, pinpointed in his H & B factory records, which was readied for game use. This is a great bat to add to your collection for a price thousands of dollars below a comparable bat hammered with use. This is every bit a Killer bat, just like its namesake.View Lot Detail page