Hall of Famer Ty Cobb Bettmann/Contributor via Getty Images

Game-used bat from Ty Cobb's rookie season goes up for auction

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 11/2/22

A remarkable and unique piece of baseball history is up for auction.

Last week, Grey Flannel Auctions listed a bat belonging to legendary Hall of Famer Ty Cobb. However, this isn't any ordinary bat; it's a 1905 game-used bat from Cobb's rookie season, boasted as the "earliest known and best in existence."

Bidding Starts Monday

Lot 1: 1905 Ty Cobb Detroit Tigers Rookie Vault Marked Game-Used Bat (PSA/DNA GU 10 • Earliest Known & Best In Existence)https://t.co/M2CnUTiR1V pic.twitter.com/ZFfDOlfOMJ
— GreyFlannelAuctions (@GF_Auctions) October 18, 2022

The bat comes with all the tell-tale signs of heavy use, making it a fantastic addition for collectors of game-used equipment. It features a crack in the handle, with cleat and ball marks on all sides of the barrel.

For collectors hoping to scoop up the rare bat, they better be prepared to pony up a load of dough. The current leading big for Cobb's bat is at $235,798. The auction closes on Nov. 14.

Cobb still holds all-time MLB bests in career batting average (.366) and career batting titles (12). And 61 years after his death, memorabilia tied to "The Georgia Peach" is still a huge seller.

Another bat tied to Cobb is drawing big numbers at Heritage Auctions. The bat, which Cobb used, was signed by the Hall of Famer and presented to Eddie Maier, the owner of Vernon Tigers of the Pacific Coast League in 1914. The leading bid for the bat stands at $700,000.

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