This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/31/2015
Offered is a professional model K75 Dale Murphy game used Louisville Slugger dating to the outset of his career with the Atlanta Braves circa 1976-77. Louisville Slugger factory records indicate that Murphy ordered the K75 model in 35.5" or longer only once during his career on October 28, 1976 when he ordered twelve 35.5", 32 ounce K75 model bats. This bat does not have the bicentennial logo on the barrel and lacks the registered logo in the barrel signature, which has been attributed to its late production in the season. This bat was produced after Louisville Slugger stopped using the bicentennial to the right of the center brands and before they started using the registered logo in their barrel signatures.
Bat exhibits heavy use with light deadwood on both the front and back of the barrel. A slight 5" handle crack is visible along the front of the handle. Murphy's jersey number 3 is present on the knob of the bat along with the marked weight of 33 3/4oz, slightly off from the documented weight. Murphy has also signed the bat in black marker with a "1977 Atlanta Braves Game Used Bat" inscription.
Bat receives 5 points for matching factory records, 3 points for use, 2 points for provenance and loses 1/2 point for the handle crack/deadwood resulting in a final grade of MEARS A9.5. (78F0379)
LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS
(JSA Auction Letter)