Collection of Vintage Baseball Bats including Roger Maris Little League Model
Sports Memorabilia / Mass-produced Sporting Goods • MacGregor Sporting Goods and Hillerich & Bradsby Co. (Louisville Slugger)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Americana / Industrial Design
Medium & Technique
Turned wood (likely ash or hickory) with heat-branded lettering and commercial varnish finish
Creation Period
Circa 1960–1965
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 28–33 inches in length; cylindrical format
Subject Description
The collection features three wooden baseball bats. The primary identifiable item is a MacGregor 'Roger Maris' Approved Little League retail model, characterized by signature-style branding. Another bat shows the 'Louisville Slugger' oval trademark from Hillerich & Bradsby.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; shows significant evidence of field use and age-related wear
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD for the group
Auction Estimate
$40 - $100 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely residential or community league ownership. Marks suggest domestic storage and heavy use.
Art Historical Significance
Representing the height of baseball's cultural dominance in the 1960s, specifically the era of Roger Maris's 61-home run season (1961). These are commercial retail items rather than professional game-used artifacts, reflecting the democratization of sports equipment.
Notable Features
Features the 'Roger Maris' facsimile signature, a classic marketing icon of the New York Yankees era; includes a 'Little League Approved' stamp.
Condition Issues
Surface abrasions, wood grain drying, minor denting, adhesive tape residue (blue), and faded branding on the Louisville Slugger model.
Conservation Recommendations
Remove adhesive residue carefully with a mild solvent; treat wood with a neutral wax to prevent further drying; store in a climate-controlled environment away from direct UV light.