Billy Martin H&B signature model (K55) game used bat specially produced for use in the 1956 All-Star Game. Graded GU 9 by PSA. This is perhaps the rarest of all Billy Martin game used bats. Normally, H&B issued only two All-Star Game bats for each participating player. 1956 marked the only All-Star Game appearance for Billy Martin, making this one of just two All-Star Game bats ever produced for Martin. Since we have never seen or heard of the other example, the offered bat may be the lone survivor. It also has a unique provenance. Our consignor received this bat as a gift from his uncle in the spring of 1957. His uncle, who was a prominent Kansas City businessman, was good friends with many of the Kansas City A's players, especially Hank Bauer. After Bauer was traded to the Yankees, he introduced our consignor's uncle to many of the Yankees players. During a trip to the Yankees' spring training facility in 1957, the uncle asked the Yankees players for some souvenirs for his nephew (our consignor). Billy Martin was kind enough to give him this All-Star Game bat and a team-signed ball. The bat has been our consignor's prized possession throughout his life and has remained in his sole possession until now. In 2023 the bat was also featured on a segment of the Antiques Roadshow (Baton Rouge), where it was appraised with a value of $5,000-$8,000. 

The bat, which measures 35 inches and weighs 32.7 ounces, features the block-letter stampings, "ALL STAR GAME" and "WASHINGTON 1956," respectively, above and below Martin's stamped facsimile signature on the barrel. Moderate use is displayed throughout. As noted in the accompanying LOA from PSA, All-Star Game bats typically display light use due to their "special event" status, but since Martin still had the bat during spring training the following year, it probably saw limited use after the All-Star Game as well. Martin had just one at bat in the 1956 Midsummer Classic. Entering the game as a pinch hitter for pitcher Jim Wilson with one out and nobody on base in the bottom of the fifth inning, Martin grounded out to shortstop Roy McMillan. That at bat marked Martin's first and last appearance in an All-Star Game. Full LOA from PSA (graded GU 9). Also accompanied by a typed letter of provenance from the consignor.