07/11/2025
This game-used Spalding "Ball + Diamond" bat belonged to Pete Brausen, a Madison, Wisconsin native who enjoyed a 16-year minor league career and was known as one of the game’s great characters. Graded PSA GU 9 and accompanied by a full letter of authenticity, the bat dates from 1925–1934, measures 33.5 inches / 38.8 oz, shows excellent use, and has a professionally repaired handle crack.
In 1912, Brausen was called “the smallest baseball player in the world” at just 5'3", but he hit .500 with Gisholt Machinery and played “like a battle-scarred veteran.” He later became a fixture with the Madison Senators and helped keep the Home Talent League alive for years in Waunakee. He was also famous for pulling off the hidden ball trick over 20 times in a single season.
To our knowledge, this is the only Brausen bat authenticated by PSA — a likely 1-of-1 tied to a truly unique figure in Wisconsin baseball lore.