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A Robert Redford-autographed Roy Hobbs' rehearsal "Wonderboy" bat from Barry Levinson's sports drama The Natural. Baseball star Hobbs' signature bat Wonderboy was carved from the wood of a tree that was struck by lightning at the same time his father (Robert Rich III) suffered a heart attack. While the standard Wonderboy bats featured in the film were wood-burned, the text and symbol on this example were carved in and then outlined with marker; the bat was used during production for rehearsals, and may have been one of the early prototypes for the wood-burned bats seen on screen.

When filming wrapped on the movie, this bat was signed and inscribed by Redford and gifted to Chris Pollack - the son of the film's costume designer Bernie Pollack and nephew of the producer Sydney Pollack. The inscription reads: "Dear Chris, This is my bat and it is impervious to your pitching - Robert Redford (Roy Hobbs)." Chris was an aspiring baseball player himself and previously spent time on set during filming, where he got to know Redford and other cast members.

A few years later, when Chris Pollack signed with the Montreal Expos and entered professional baseball, Redford sent him a letter of congratulations stating "I know it was the bat," a joke that this Wonderboy prop bat was the reason for Pollack's success.

Designed by property master Barry Bedig from period-specific Louisville Sluggers, this light brown oak bat features "Wonderboy" and a lightning-shaped "W" symbol carved into it. Also included is a color photograph of Chris Pollack and Robert Redford on set, which is signed and inscribed "Can you spot the Natural? Fondly, Robert Redford"; the congratulations letter Redford sent to Pollack in 1987; two strips of negatives for photos taken on set while Pollack visited enclosed in an envelope printed with a "The Natural" logo in the upper left corner; an invitation to the film's premiere enclosed in a Tristar envelope with a matching production logo; an RSVP card to the invitation; and a site map for the studio premiere.

The Natural received four Academy Award® nominations, including Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Glenn Close, Cinematography, Art Direction, and Music. It is frequently cited as one of the best baseball movies ever made. The bat exhibits light scratches from use and fading from its age. Dimensions: 32.5" x 2.5" x 2.5" (82.75 cm x 6.5 cm x 6.5 cm)

Estimate: $15,000 - 30,000

View all lots from NATURAL, THE (1984)