The baseball bat used by the diminutive Eddie Gaedel in what Heritage Auctions describes as "the most famous stunt in Major League Baseball history" will sell as part of the auction house's August 1-3 Platinum Night Sports Auction.
 The bat was never swung in anger. Gaedel received four balls and took the walk to first base, tipping his cap as he went |
Used for just four short pitches, and never having actually hit a ball, the bat is valued at $100,000+.
It was on August 19, 1951, as the ailing St Louis Browns limped towards another failed season against the Detroit Tigers, that the three foot seven inch Eddie Gaedel took to the plate at the behest of owner Bill Veeck.
Wearing the number "1/8" on his shirt, Gaedel took four straight balls and headed directly to first base, causing much hilarity among the watching fans.
"Veeck was behind some of the most famous, and infamous, ballpark stunts in the history of America's pastime," commented Heritage's Chris Ivy, director of sports. "It was his 1951 stunt with Gaedel as the smallest batter in league history, however, that he is most remembered for."
The bat has been consigned by Gaedel's nephew. Gaedel had given the bat to his brother, who, despite being younger, used to protect him from kids in their neighbourhood.
Also starring in the Heritage sale is an extremely rare "Bustin' Babes" cap worn by Babe Ruth on his famous barnstorming tour and Sam Snead's collection of PGA tour memorabilia.
