This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 6/27/2002.
After spending a short time playing for the Kansas City Monarchs in Negro Leagues, Ernie Banks made the jump to the Major Leagues when the Chicago Cubs bought his contract for $25,000 in 1953. From the start it seemed he was destined for greatness. On his first day in a cubs uniform, Banks hit the first pitch he had ever been thrown in batting practice into the left field stands. By his second Major League season, Banks had established himself as a power-house, hitting 44 home runs with a .295 batting average. His display of talent continued throughout his Hall of Fame career and earned him a spot on 11 All Star teams and two MVP awards. This 35 inch, 31.5 ounce Hillerich and Bradsby bat was used by Banks in the 1962 All-Star game played in Washington DC on July 10, 1962. Ordering records indicate that it was shipped to him on July 6th of that year. The bat shows light use with a few ball marks visible on the barrel which is consistent with All Star game bats. The barrel has been signed in blue Sharpie and the signature rates a strong 9. Therer is evidence of another signature having been removed at some point, however this in no way detracts from the visual appeal of this speactacular and rare bat. We can remember Ernie Banks as a guy who simply loved to play the game of baseball and on any given day could say "Let's play two".