This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/26/2012
The 1979 season found Pete Rose making his debut in the City of Brotherly Love. Although Pete now had a new zip code, he went back in time to his Cincinnati roots while ordering this bat to use with his new team.
Last ordered in 1964, the U1 model was favored by Pete Rose during his rookie season through the end
of 1964. He abandoned the model for 15 years until July 2nd, 1979. His H&B factory records reveals he then ordered this exact bat, 35”, 33.5 ounces, 9 bats.
It was the last time he ever ordered the U1 model, as his modified Adirondack bat became the R2111
which then became his favorite model of choice. He never ordered this model for game use again.
Measuring 35” and currently weighing 33 ounces, this bat was factory recorded as being ordered by
Rose during 1979.
Not possessing all of the traits found on high grade Rose bats; this bat does have solid, medium game use. This may be explained due to Rose’s quick departure from the model. Light ball marks are found on the barrel, bat rack marks are present, and there are several noticeable stitch marks consistent with medium game use. Rose’s uniform number 14 is not seen on the knob, as the factory records indicate, he quickly abandoned this model for the R2111. Although used, it did not become a prolonged favorite of Rose.
With that being said, this bat still possesses a lot of charm. Advanced Rose collectors will need this seldom seen model for their collection (remember, only 9 ever ordered!). It is also quite interesting to study this model and understand the mindset of a player as to what bats he liked and disliked. H&B factory records show that Rose used the R195 model almost exclusively from 1975-79. For some abrupt reason he switched back to his old U1 model, and then abandoned both for this new girlfriend, the R2111.
Final Grade (MEARS A7): Base grade of 5 points for bat matching factory records, 2 points for medium
game use.
Here is your chance to obtain a very special bat that illustrates the thought process of players and how they change models to find the perfect bat.
LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS