This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/5/2013
When the smoke cleared, Mark McGwire finished his career with 583 homeruns. Controversial, he still was a star of the 1980s & 1990s, and a fan favorite to many. Offered for this lot is a minor league bat, one of the earliest Mark McGwire bats known to the hobby.
Additionally, based on factory records, documented name applied on the knob, and heavy game use, the bat was graded a perfect MEARS A10.
Although known for his affection of Rawlings bats during his career, this bat is recorded in Mark McGwire’s early factory records. This bat was recorded as:
5-10-85, M110, 34.5”, 32 ounces, (3 ash), Modesta A’s
7-19-85, M110, 34.5”, 32 ounces, (6 ash), Modesta A’s
This bat currently measures 34.5” and weighs 33 ounces, and is consistent with the two referenced McGwire bat orders.
Regarding game use, it can only be described as tremendous. Starting at the handle, there is a 10” area of heavy pine tar. This trait was developed during these early years in Tacoma, and carried throughout McGwire’s career with the A’s and Cardinals.
In the area directly above the barrel name are dozens of deeply embedded stitch marks. In this same area towards the back of the barrel, 5 layers of deadwood are beginning to manifest. Deadwood is created from the repeated contact of bat to ball, a positive trait associated with heavy game use. 5 distinct surface ball marks are also found on the back of the bat. Again, the use can only be described as heavy, a perfect example of a McGwire gamer.
Bat rack marks, white, red, and blue are also scattered throughout the length of the bat.
Finally, “MAC” is written on the knob. This was done personally by McGwire, another player trait that continued throughout his career and was found on various pairs of cleats, caps, and game used bats.
Final Grade (MEARS A10): Base grade of 5 points was assigned for bat matching factory records, 3 points were assigned for bat having heavy game use, 2 points were assigned for player traits and (Mac) on knob.
LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS
(D0299)