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1916-18 Bill Wambsganss Cleveland Indians Game Used Bat (PSA GU 8)
Displayed is a game used bat deployed by Bill Wambsganss. He played in the Major Leagues from 1914 through 1926, ten of those years with the Cleveland Indians. "Wamby" is known for two main things. One is his very unusual last name, a spelling nightmare for many. The other Wambsganss claim to fame is that as a Cleveland Indian second baseman in the 1920 World Series, he completed the only unassisted triple play in World Series history. It was Game 5 of the Series and the Brooklyn Dodgers had men on first and second with none out. Wamby caught a line drive off the bat of the Dodgers' Clarence Mitchell, and then Wambsganss stepped on second to retire Pete Kilduff, and then the second baseman tagged Otto Miller who had run towards second from first base. The Indians won that game 8-1 and they triumphed in the World Series. The offered bat is a Hillerich and Bradsby bat that was in the pre-model era. Its labeling period is 1916-1918. It is 34.5" long and weighs 31 ounces. It exhibits outstanding use. There is a handle crack, and some checking (grain swelling) from repeated ball contact on the front and back barrels, and the bat has been repaired with nails. There are many ball marks on the left, right, and back barrel. "Wamby" is stamped on the front barrel brand. The barrel has been planed and sanded to receive the factory side writing "Clevelan" [sic] with vintage grease pencil. The bat comes with a Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA with a bat grade of PSA GU 8. It is a super rare bat from a player who made one of the most famous plays in World Series history.
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