Ask ten prewar baseball collectors which Deadball era player is most closely associated with their bat, and most will mention Shoeless Joe Jackson and "Black Betsy." Runner up, however, would likely be the "bottle bat" used by Heinie Groh. An excellent leadoff hitter in his day, Groh's distinctive bat was initially suggested by John McGraw.  Today, Groh's game-used bottle bats command a premium.

Issued during the labeling period between 1916 and 1922, this Louisville Slugger weighs in at a whopping 43.6 ounces, and 33 1/4" in length.  The model G66 exhibits heavy use, with a visible handle crack that has been repaired with nails.  Some grain checking at the back barrel, the result of repeated ball contact, has also been repaired with nails.  Though there is evidence of side writing on the bat, it is illegible, though according to John Taube, "We are confident if visible, Groh's name would be displayed. We have yet to see the model G66 bottle bat used by another player."

The bat has been graded GU 6 by PSA/DNA, we assume due in part to the major repairs on the bat.  An exceptional example of one of the most famous bats of its era.