As the sport of baseball continued to evolve in the early 1900s, participants experimented with a variety of techniques and equipment tweaks designed to improve performance. This very rare early Hillerich & Bradsby "ball knob" bat is a great representation of that style, with the heavy lumber weighing in at a stout 47 ounces and measuring 34" in length. No model number is evident, letter "Y" is engraved in the knob. Dark finish to the wood gives this a great vintage look, and wear includes a slight crack to the handle, and extensive checking to the barrel yet the bat remains in EX condition. The theory during this era was that a heavier, more balanced bat would generate more power, and this is a great example, thus there is only a very small taper between the barrel and the handle, and the "ball knob" was designed to provide more weight to the thinner end of the bat. Classic look.