Offered for examination is this circa 1992-93 Rob Deer Cooper professional model game used bat. The bat was obtained directly from Brewers visiting clubhouse attendant, Jim Ksicinski. After being traded by the Brewers to Detroit, Rob Deer wore uniform number 28 during the 1992-93 seasons.

Cooper Pro 100 Model C243 was used by Rob Deer during this timespan. The 36" length and 35.5 ounces are also consistent with the ordering patterns of Rob Deer. This Cooper Pro 100 has a large knob, thin handle, tapered barrel and cupped end. The bat has a two toned finish (black/natural). Factory length and weight markings are obscured due to heavy game use. Deer’s uniform number with Detroit, 28, appears in dark, worn, black marker on the knob. Two dots appear immediately under the 28, there reasons unknown.

The use is quite heavy, consistent with a bat favored and used by a player until a fatal handle crack occurred at Milwaukee County Stadium. Light pinetar is found on the bottom end area of the handle, with very heavy-caked pinetar in a six-inch area near the Cooper multi color center ring. A large 11" handle crack is found at mid-handle. The wood has begun to separate in the area of the handle crack. The bat remains in the original condition as when the bat was broken by Deer and obtained personally by Jim K. The Cooper centerbrand is almost gone, either due to game wear or an attempt by Deer at removal. There are dozens of ball marks found above the barrel end. Below the barrel end are additional dozens of deeply embedded ball marks. Cleat marks are also found scattered throughout the bats barrel surfaces, some affecting the script of Rob Deer, and Professional on the barrel.

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 1 for crack, minus 1 for removed centerbrand graphics. Final Grade: MEARS A8

Lot consigned by Troy R. Kinunen