John Franklin Baker was also known as Frank Baker, and more important, he was primarily known as "Home Run" Baker, a title bestowed upon the Hall of Fame third baseman even though in a 13-season MLB career, he had a total of "only" 96 home runs. Offered is the opportunity to possess one of the scant few Home Run Baker bats known to exist, as by our count, we have seen only three. What makes this bat extra-special is that Baker has signed it four times, once for each of the four seasons, 1911-14, in which he led the American League in home runs. 

Baker played his entire Major League career with the Philadelphia Athletics (1908-14) and New York Yankees (1916-19 & 1921-22). He was a 3-time World Champion with the Philadelphia Athletics. Playing mostly in baseball's Deadball Era, Baker led the American League in home runs in four consecutive seasons as a member of the Philadelphia Athletics: 1911-14. In these four seasons, in order, his AL leading home run totals were 11, 10, 12, and 9. Baker batted a career .309. 

The bat originates from the Harry Evans collection. Evans was an early collector and the first to have "theme" signed items. He collected for decades, beginning in the 1920s. The offered bat is a vintage blank barrel Hillerich & Bradsby bat crafted like those that Baker used. The H&B 125 bat has a length of 34" and a weight of 35.5 ounces. On the handle, black glued-on letters and numerals read, "1911 HOME RUN LEADERS 1920." On the barrel, there are four black, glued-on numerals, reading, "8," "9," "10," and "12." The lower part of the numeral "1" in "10" is missing. It appears that in applying the small black decals to indicate Baker's yearly total was slightly off, correctable if the "8" were an "11." Also, the stick-on letters and numerals reading, "1911 HOME RUN LEADERS 1920" is somehow incomplete or in error. But such matters are trifles compared to the real essence of the offering. The great Home Run Baker put four signatures on the bat, one for each of his four consecutive home run crowns. A single Home Run Baker signature on a Home Run Baker bat would be a rare find. This Home Run Baker bat has four of the slugger's autographs. If one so desired, the letters and numbers could be removed as they are glued on. The bat is NRMT condition, while the signatures average 8/10. Each is signed "J. Franklin Baker." This bat the ONLY ONE LIKE IT in the entire world. The signed bat comes with full letter from PSA. The bat also comes with the original tag from the Evans collection that identifies the bat.

Estimated domestic USA shipping cost only. Does not include handling or insurance: 22.49 Please feel free to contact us for a more accurate shipping cost.