This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 7/18/2019.
Willie McCovey hit his 500th home run of his career in 1978, joining the elite club of baseball sluggers who have achieved the feat. The bat has been mounted on a display that measures 40x12” and was part of the ceremony when McCovey was presented with his 500 home run trophy on the field by the Giants. While this is most certainly a McCovey game-used bat, it is unclear if this is his actual 500th home run bat or one from the rack that day. Manufacturer: Louisville Slugger Model Number: S2 Length: 35 inches. Handwritten on the knob is the player number “44” in period faded ink. The bat exhibits evidence of game use with ball and cleat marks throughout the barrel as well as bat rack marks. Engraved on a plate beneath the bat reads “WILLIE McCOVEY’S 500TH HOME RUN ATLANTA STADIUM JUNE 30, 1978”.