Ephemera, Americana, & Historical Memorabilia

[BASEBALL]. Original Award Bat Presented to Regino Mamelo Garcia in 1907 with Engraved Presentation. [Havana:] 1907. Regino Garcia, catcher for twelve seasons in the Cuban Winter Leagues, was the batting champion of the island in 1905-1906, 1906-1907, and 1907-1908. In celebration of his prowess, he was given this ‘silver’ trophy bat, made of white metal, and plated originally in silver. He played for San Francisco BBC, Almendares BBC, and Fe BBC ruing those campaigns, returning to Almendares in the fall of 1908. There is a fortunate combination, where we have a photo of Sr. Garcia proudly holding the trophy bat in Tropical Stadium in Havana in the 1970s. We have a Cabañas cigarette card from the 1908-1909 season. And we have the amazing bat. The bat is 27” in length and weighs about seven pounds. It is a unique design with a white metal base, plated in silver with brass filigree from top to bottom. The inscription reads “Al Champion / BAT / de 1907 / Regino Garcia.” The condition is excellent, but the silver plating has been polished off. An extraordinary display piece. There is no trophy or award to compare to this one, yet to come out of Cuba. Garcia holds the record in Cuba for winning the batting crown four years consecutively, 1904-1907. For this achievement, he was awarded the trophy bat in 1908. This bat has an additional fascinating history, which can only be revealed once the embargo is lifted. From the Mark Rucker Collection.