Martin Dihigo 1938 Award Bats (2)

Auction: December 2003

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December 2003
Puerto Rico

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Martin Dihigo 1938 Award Bats (2)

These wonderfully ornate wooden painted award bats were crafted by the skilled hands of Martin Dihigo’s worshipping Mexican League commissioned artists back in 1938. Much like his phenomenal baseball career, each is decorated to the fullest, every inch painstakingly hand made to create a fabulous piece of folk art and baseball lore. Bestowed upon Martin Dihigo in 1938 by the Mexican summer league with which he would play well into the 1950’s, each bat has a silver plate affixed to the handle. One is engraved: “Martin Dihigo, Porra - Oguila de Veracruz por Champion en ponches con 184, Mexico - 1938.” That summer, Dihigo earned his title as “Champion” in more ways than one, tallying 184 strikeouts and also leading the Mexican league in ERA (0.90), wins (18-4), and batting (.387). Statistically he is even more impressive than Babe Ruth as a pitcher. The other plate reads, “Martin Dihigo Aguilas Veracruz champion pitcher, 18w 4l, Mexico, 1938.” One bat boasts the carved-in image of a young boy bending over a flower, and “Mexico” wrapping around the sweet spot. The other with ancient bird and elaborate wing design. These fabulous one-of-a-kind pieces of Negro League history still boast vibrant colors and are offered in EX-MT condition. Included is its original wooden display holder, carved with raised lettering: “Mexico, 1938 - Veracruz” and baseball below with leather straps to hold the bat. One strap is partially separated from its nails.