Offered for examination is this circa 1986-92 Kirk Gibson Cooper professional model game-used bat. The dating of the Cooper centerbrand label spans from 1986 to the 1992. During this span Gibson played for the Tigers, Dodgers, Royals, and Pirates.Gibson made it to the World Series with the Dodgers in 1988, which included his historical 2-run walk off home run in Game 1.
The model of this Cooper bat is WC137, as favored by Gibson. The 34 1/2" length and 32 ounce bat is also consistent with the ordering patterns of Gibson. This Cooper Pro 100 model has a small almost flare knob, thin handle, and round barrel. The bat has a two toned finish (black/natural). Factory stamped on the knob is 34 ½", 32 OZ. Gibson’s faded and worn 23 appears on the knob in black marker and is consistent with other examined Gibson bat uniform numbers.
Regarding use, I don’t think a finer example exists. The lower handle is coated with many layers of pinetar. The middle has light remnants, but was intended to be spared by Gibson, as he preferred his pinetar pattern to be separated. The upper handle, in the region above and below the multi colored Cooper barrel stripes is another multiple coating of pintar. Some Tigers/County Stadium infield grass is also embedded into one layer of the pinetar. The pinetar is hard to the touch, but still maintains a translucent amber appearance. A 5-inch handle crack, which enters the Cooper multi color ring, has slight separation of grain, but no missing pieces. The bat in its current condition does not need a repair as it remains in the condition as last held/used by Gibson.
Above the barrel stampings are 18 ball marks. Directly below the barrel are dozens of deeply embedded stitch marks. A dozen+ cleat marks are scattered throughout the bat’s surface. Ball marks appears directly over the COOPER PRO 100, Kirk Gibson, Professional WC137 barrel stampings.
LOA MEARS/Troy R. Kinunen. Bat was awarded 5 base points, 3 points for heavy use, plus 1 for documented uniform number, plus one for player characteristics, minus ½ for crack. Final Grade: MEARS A8
Lot consigned by Dave Bushing