A familiar sight in Orioles dugouts for three decades, former trainer and Orioles Hall of Famer Ralph Salvon was as much a part of the Orioles tradition as Weaver, Santarone, air-tight defense and the 3-run homer. While the rotund physician has long been associated with the franchise’s unparalleled success, Salvon has never been celebrated for any on-field achievements … until now. As part of perennial American League championship rosters, Salvon accompanied Earl Weaver and his Oriole stalwarts to repeated Mid-Summer Classics. At the 1972 installment in Atlanta, Salvon was issued this professional model bat. Authentic and game-ready in spite of its namesake’s questionable hitting abilities, the Hillerich & Bradsby “W215” (33.1-oz/34”) block-letter (full name) model weapon features “ALL STAR GAME” and “ATLANTA-1972” barrel stampings. Not surprisingly, the uncracked white ash lumber shows no use, though it does have bat-rack streaks from the Fulton County Stadium dugout.
For all of you Orioles collectors who think you’ve seen it all, think again! While it may lack the battle marks inherent to gamers wielded by Brooks, Boog, Frank and Eddie, this unusual O’s prize was issued to a vital component in Birds history.
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