Baun was one of the hardest and cleanest hitters of his time. He was not considered an offensive threat as a defenceman, never scoring more than 20 points in a season in the NHL. His highest single-season goal total was eight in 1959 60. However, Baun is remembered for his performance in game six of the 1963 64 NHL season Stanley Cup finals against the Detroit Red Wings. On April 23, 1964, having broken his ankle earlier in the game, he returned in overtime and scored the game winning goal. The Leafs won the next game 4 0 to win the best of seven series, and secure their third consecutive league championship. He developed a reputation for understanding the business side of playing in the NHL in the years before there was a players' union. Eventually, other players sought Baun's advice about their contracts and salaries, which eroded his relationship with Leafs' general manager Punch Imlach. That relationship deteriorated even further when Baun was a holdout for the 1965 66 season. Baun eventually got a raise, but Imlach never forgot it. A series of injuries further dimmed Imlach's enthusiasm for Baun. In 1966 67, Baun suffered a broken toe. Imlach replaced him with Larry Hillman and Baun saw little ice time after that. He was mostly an observer from the bench for the Leafs' 1967 Cup victory, and refused to participate in the celebrations.

Before the next season, Baun was left unprotected in the 1967 expansion draft, and was selected by the Oakland Seals. Baun was one of four members of the Memorial Cup-winning Marlboros teams from the mid-1950s to play for the Seals, but the team struggled badly on the ice, particularly on offence, finishing the year with the worst record in the league. Baun asked to be traded back to an Original Six team, and Oakland accommodated his request, dealing him to the Detroit Red Wings in May 1968. Baun played in Detroit for two years but early into the 1970 71 season he found himself at odds with coach Ned Harkness and was placed on waivers. From there, he was claimed by the Buffalo Sabres, managed by Imlach, who immediately traded him to the St. Louis Blues. Baun refused to report to St. Louis and nine days later was traded back to the Maple Leafs for Brit Selby. The Leafs benefitted from Baun's defensive play, helping Jacques Plante to record a 1.88 goals against average in 1970 71. Baun was just as effective the next season. In the fifth game of the 1972 73 season, he suffered a neck injury that ended his NHL career at the age of 36.

COLLECTABLE: BOBBY BAUN SIGNED JERSEY


Toronto Maple Leafs jersey signed by Bobby Baun. The jersey is semi-pro, CCM, KOHO, or Reebok, with name and numbers sown on.

PROFESSIONAL JERSEY FRAMING
PROFESSIONAL FRAME (as seen above) $400 add extra puck $15 custom frame color $25 to $100 add extra photograph $25 custom plaque $20 NOTE: Location of puck, photo, plaque & pins is customizable.

CERTIFICATION

Autograph Authentic is auctioning this collectable item. Autograph Authentic is present at all Old Timers' Hockey Games. We are a marketing and promotion company that has been directly involved with memorabilia for over twenty years. All signed item comes with a certificate of authenticity guaranteeing the autograph(s) to be 100% real.
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