This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/31/2011
Offered for auction in this lot is an autographed Frank Thomas professional model Rawlings game bat from early in his career with the Chicago White Sox. This Adirondack Big Stick has model number 576B imprinted on it knob with Frank Thomas imprinted on its barrel in block letters. The Big Hurt has also signed the barrel in silver sharpie and has added a "HR #4 1996" inscription. MEARS has no means of independently verifying the accuracy of this inscription.
Bat exhibits extremely heavy and powerful game use, the type associated with documented Frank Thomas game used bats. Regarding game use, in the area directly above the Frank Thomas barrel name stamp, are 7 deeply clustered blue (American league) ball marks. In the same area are exceptionally deep seam marks. Over 24 sets of seam marks appear in this area. On the reverse of the barrel is approximately an additional set of 24 deeply seated stitch marks. The handle has a light application of pine tar and there is a 5" crack near the barrel. The ball & stitch marks, heavy overall use, and light application of pine tar is consistent with Frank Thomas game used bats. Getty Images also verify that Frank Thomas used black Rawlings silver ringed bats during the entire span of the 1996 season.
Bat receives 5 points for matching factory records, 3 points for use, 2 points for the HR attribution and loses 1/2 point for the barrel crack resulting in a final grade of MEARS A9.5.
(M0166)
LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS
(MEARS LOA; JSA Auction Letter)