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Lot # 936: Circa 1953 Roy Campanella Brooklyn Dodgers Professional Model Bat (PSA)

Starting Bid: $500.00

Bids: 7 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Spring Classic 2022",
which ran from 5/20/2022 7:00 PM to
6/11/2022 10:00 PM



Roy Campanella pro-model ("G80") bat dating from circa 1953. This is an interesting Campanella pro-model bat that, according to the accompanying LOA from PSA, may be directly related to one of Brooklyn baseball's most beloved institutions: Happy Felton's Knot Hole Gang television show. The half-hour live show, which aired before each home Dodgers game during the 1950s, featured several young ballplayers receiving on-field instruction from one of the Dodgers' players. Felton's genial personality and the interaction between the kids and the Dodgers players made the show a huge hit and helped to solidify the unique bond held between the Brooklyn faithful and their hometown team. As PSA notes in its LOA, this bat measures 34 inches and weighs 31.6 ounces. Although the bat is the correct model for Campanella, his factory ordering records list only 35" or 35.5" bats shipped to him during this time period. However, the Dodgers team ordering records show a log list of player bats, including Campanella, that were ordered specifically for the Knot Hole Gang television show. The bats ordered for the show were the actual models used by the players, but they were all one size: 34 inches in length, which matches the length of the offered bat. The bat, which is not cracked, does show use, including several ball marks on all sides of the barrel, as well as what PSA describes as a few "bruises" on the right and back barrel. Given the information we have, it's possible that this is a Campanella "Knot Hole Gang" bat that was used by Campy during his on air instruction. As such, it is a unique Campanella pro-model bat and one that would be a welcome addition to any advanced Brooklyn Dodgers collection. Full LOA from PSA.

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