Question about H & B label...

[bigklu18]

I have a Ted Kluszewski bat and on the label it reads ' 125S ' and above the sig on the barrel is the word 'SPECIAL ' I was wondering if anyone here can enlighten me on what this means ?

Thanks in advance,

Greg

[MSpecht]

Hi Greg


Here is the info you are looking for, reproduced from the book BATS --Professional Hillerich & Bradsby and Adirondack 1950-1994 co-authored by Malta, Fox, Riddell, and Specht, published in 1995.

"H & B has recently started producing bats with labeling and pro model numbers, replicating the look of an H & B pro model player bat of an era for a particular player. For instance, when Pete Rose is signing bats at a hobby show, you may notice the show promoter selling bats with labeling and model numbers identical to bats that Pete Rose used during his career.

H & B produces a variety of these replica bats, available through H & B retailers, dealers, and collectors for commemorating an event or for signing by the player. They are obviously new bats made of new wood and are often stamped with an S designating souvenir, or have an underlined 125 in the oval label...However H & B produced some replica bats without any souvenir designations which have surfaced in the hobby as game used pro model player bats. Again, you cannot rely solely upon labeling and model numbers alone. Focus on quality and color of the wood, the quantity and quality of the game use, the source of the bat, and, when in doubt, ask to have an expert authenticate the bat for final approval."

--BATS, Malta, Fox, Riddell, Specht. Off The Fence Publishing. 1995. pp 59-60

Good Luck in future collecting.

Mike Jackitout7@aol.com