John Roseboro was a catcher mainly known for his time on the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers (1957-67). Displayed is an eye-catching, 1969-72 John Roseboro Hillerich & Bradsby professional model K100 fungo bat. After his time on the Dodgers, Roseboro caught for the Minnesota Twins (1968-69) and the Washington Senators (1970). Roseboro later became a coach for the Washington Senators (1971) and the California Angels (1972-74). Roseboro broke into the Major Leagues with the '57 Brooklyn Dodgers, and late in the season, he caught the final innings of the Dodgers' last game in Brooklyn. He was the heir apparent to Roy Campanella as the Dodgers prepared to move to Los Angeles for the 1958 season. However, Campanella's automobile accident, in the winter before the Dodgers played in Los Angeles, left Campy as a quadriplegic, and Roseboro became the Dodgers' starter in '58. A good defensive receiver, who won two Gold Gloves, Roseboro batted a career .249, with 104 home runs. He was a 3-time World Champion with the Dodgers. Roseboro was involved in a notorious incident on August 22, 1965 in which San Francisco Giants Hall of Fame pitcher Juan Marichal became involved in a dispute with Roseboro when Marichal was batting and Roseboro catching; Marichal ended up hitting Marichal twice in the head with his bat. The offered fungo bat presents beautifully, not as a pristine show piece, but as a working fungo bat whose hickory wood gleams. On the barrel is etched: "GENUINE/JOHN ROSEBORO (in block letters)/LOUISVILLE SLUGGER." Etched into the bat knob is "K100." The bat is 35.7" in length, and it weighs 30.5 ounces. The bat exhibits great wear: Ball marks, various nicks and worn areas, spots where the finish color becomes lighter because of use, such as mid-barrel, etc. The bat is uncracked. We assume that this fungo bat was used by Johnny as a fungo bat when he became a coach. Roseboro bats are hard to find. Roseboro signed in big and bold 8/10 gold on the barrel.

Estimated domestic USA shipping cost only. Does not include handling or insurance: $31.04 Please feel free to contact us for a more accurate shipping cost.