This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/31/2011
Featured in this lot is an autographed Alex Rodriguez Louisville Slugger professional model game bat from early in his career with the Seattle Mariners. This black Louisville Slugger has model number C271 imprinted on its signature model cupped barrel. A-Rod has also signed the barrel in silver sharpie and added the inscription "HR #16 97." A Mill Creek COA also accompanies this bat.
Bat has the absolute optimal amount of heavy use possible to be found on a bat. Layer upon layer of use was applied, only the crack in the handle rendered this bat further un-usable. Starting 4” above the knob, a 20” heavy pattern of pine tar has been applied, with extends through the centerbrand. The bat is caked as multiple application of pine tar was applied, the result of several games worth of full game use. Near the area of the Alex Rodriguez barrel signature, in a 360 degree area, the bat exhibits over 40+ ball and stitch mark patterns. Also scattered in the same area are multiple cleat marks, applied with such force the black finish has flaked in some areas. In the area below the barrel signature is this bat’s favorite sweet spot. Multiple stitch and seam marks have deeply penetrated the surface of bat. As an evaluator of game used bats since 2004, this bat exhibits the most game use I have witnessed on an Alex Rodriguez game used bat.
Per the signature on the bat and the Mill Creek certificate of authenticity, Alex Rodriguez has stated this was HR #16 during the 1997 season. Mill Creek has a sterling reputation regarding the handling of Alex Rodriguez game used memorabilia. MEARS is without independent means to verify the HR claims and Rodriguez’s signed LOA serves as the only HR attribution documentation.
Bat receives 5 points for matching factory records, 3 points for use, 2 points for accompanying LOA and loses 1/2 point for the handle crack & flaking resulting in a final grade of MEARS A9.5.
(M0170)
LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS
(MEARS LOA; JSA Auction Letter)