What's great about this bat is it's provenance. First, the barrel of the bat (see below) has the following inscription, "this bat was used in the campaign of the 1888 Chicago B.C. (Baseball Club) By Our Beloved Adrian C. Cap Anson." Second, the bat also has a piece of paper on the barrel that dates to the late 19th Century. Finally, the bat comes with a 1907 Sporting Life article explaining how the bat left Cap Anson's home. The article recounts the story of how Pittsburgh catcher Harry Peitz aka Henry aka Heinie Peitz, who enjoyed a 16 year major league career, was at the time of his meeting with Anson a member of the Pirates circa 1906. Peitz actually obtained this game bat while visiting Anson at his home. The Hall of Fame 3,000 Hit Club member encouraged Peitz to visit his home by stating "come out to my house this evening and I will show you something to make your eyes water". Who among us could possibly decline.
Anson took him down to his cellar and Peitz was allowed to see hundreds of vintage hickory game used bats hanging in racks. Anson encouraged Peitz to take his pick as a momento and Heinie wisely chose the game used specimen presented in this lot.
Currently the auction is at $66,500.00, but I would expect it to go for much higher than that.Auction Link: Cap Anson Bat:
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