Few players in the history of the game were better hitters than Ted Williams.  Often described as the greatest hitter in the history of the game, Williams batted .344 lifetime, a perennial MVP frontrunner.  Despite missing nearly five seasons to military service, he pounded out more than 2,600 hits, and his lifetime OBP of .482 is the greatest all-time.  Williams was one of the athletes that became famous outside the game, his exploits as a fighter pilot making him an American hero and his subsequent success as a sports fisherman adding to his legacy.  A piece of Williams' equipment is the gear of an American icon, one of those pieces of memorabilia that transcends the hobby.

Presented here is a Louisville Slugger model W166 used by Williams between 1950 and 1959. Measuring 35 inches in length and weighing in at 32.7 ounces, the uncracked bat displays moderate evidence of use, notably light wear on the right barrel and a few stray cleat marks.  The model number of the bat is stamped into the knob.  The bat has been graded A7 by MEARS, with a base grade of 5 and two points for the light use.  

Player Bat Ordering Records for Ted Williams indicate he ordered 35" 166 model bats in various weights between 1951 and 1955.  He missed the bulk of the 1952 and 1953 seasons due to the Korean War, but excelled in the others, batting .345 with a .513 on base percentage in 1954, and batting .356 in 1955.  Williams signed the bat in dark blue Sharpie, just underneath the barrel brand on the right barrel.  Accompanying the bat is a 1997 photo of Williams holding it, having just signed it.  The signature was applied carefully and has been incredibly well-preserved, and has been graded MINT 9 by PSA/DNA.

An incredible piece of lumber, from one the greatest hitters that ever lived, carefully autographed, and in outstanding condition.  Full LOA from MEARS and accompanying letter from Dave Bushing, photo from Pro Sports Services, and autograph LOA from PSA/DNA.