Nov 6, 2024 - Nov 23, 2024
Dick Groat was one of the most decorated two-sport athletes in history, an All-American in baseball and basketball at Duke where his #10 hangs from the rafters at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The star point guard was drafted third overall by the NBA's Fort Wayne Pistons in April of 1952. Two months later, at the age of 21 without a day of minor league experience, Groat joined the Pittsburgh Pirates and made his MLB debut at shortstop. He batted a team-high .284 for the remainder of his '52 rookie campaign. He immediately transitioned to the 1952-53 NBA season, averaging 12 ppg before having to cut it short when he enlisted in the Army. On the diamond, his career spanned from 1952 through '67, playing a majority of it with the team that signed him out of college. He was a major part of the Pirates' 1960 World Series Champion team, winning both the NL MVP and batting title that season. In April of 2023, Groat passed away at the age of 92.
Presented here is the great Dick Groat's 1965-67 Hillerich & Bradsby 'O16' game used professional model bat. It exhibits evidence of outstanding use with a handle crack. Numerous ball marks are visible throughout the barrel. Also visible are red and green bat rack marks. The model number 'O16' is stamped into the known as well as the player number '24' in fading marker. Weight 35.8 ounces. Length 36 inches. Groat also autographed the barrel of the bat in bold black marker (PSA Cert. #AO66514). Graded PSA/DNA GU 9 with a full LOA from John Taube.
Payment for your invoice must clear in full prior to shipping. All items will be shipped from SCP Auctions’ Laguna Niguel, CA office in the order that payments are received. Please allow up to three business days following clearance of payment for items to ship. All items will be shipped UPS/FedEx Ground unless you contact us to discuss an alternative shipping method. If you would like your items shipped in a different method, such as UPS/FedEx Next Day or UPSFedEx 2-Day, you must contact our Post Sale Services Manager Veronica Rodriguez by emailing customerservice@scpauctions.com to discuss alternative shipping instructions. Prior to bidding, please be aware of estimated shipping costs, especially for large or heavy lots. You may contact SCP Auctions for any shipping estimates lots you are bidding on or interested in bidding on. If you intend to pick up your items in person at the SCP Auctions office, please call us to schedule. Payment must clear prior to items being available for pick-up.