The history of the black World Series bats is that both teams that made the World Series , both World Champions and League Champions, had approximately 200 special black bats made after the series to be given to the members of the teams and staff. They were never, ever made available for sale to the public by Hillerich & Bradsby company. Each bat is a model 125 and is stamped with the year, team and series status. Every player has his name burnished into the bat and filled with gold leaf. Players that had signature contracts with H&B will be found in script while non contract players names appear in block letter. The World Champion 1948 Indians included Hall of Famers Lou Boudreau, Bob Lemon, Bob Feller, Joe Gordon, Larry Doby and Satchel Paige. The white players have signatures while the two black HOF'ers could not get a signature contract at that time and appear in block letters. Other note worthy players include Jim Hegan, Gene Bearden, Dale Mitchell, Eddie Robinson, Ken Keltner, Al Rosen, Walt Judnick and Hank Edwards. Condition. Near mint. Almost no typical gold leaf flaking. Very limited production and over 70 years old. Who knows how the name change to the team will effect collector values but they will surely go up.