Question on buying Game Used Bats.

baseballjeff

I am seriously interested in this, but what I want to know is how do you KNOW this is the real deal?

I collect vintage cards, and have no knowledge of this subject matter so any adivice would be greatly appreciated. Also, how does one display a bat? Obviously you don't want to handle it. Or leave it out to where it will collect dust.

Thank you,

Jeff

Link to Thomas's Bat

Stone193

Jeff
I have just started collecting gu bats and know very little but there are some book sources that I recommend along with some good authenticators. Reference books: MastroNet Reference and Price Guide for Collecting GU Baseball Bats (2001); BATS: Professional Hillerich & Bradsby and Adirondack, 1950-1994 (1995) – this will give you a lot to digest and an unbelievable reference. Sellers: IMO, bats authenticated by Bushing and Knoll ( SCD authen.) or Vince Malta and John Taube(PSA/DNA). Zane Burns is also very trustworthy. All of these guys, to the best of knowledge have advertised in SCD. Zanesbats is on ebay. ASI has a lot of players under contract and are supposed to be trustworthy – I bought a Palmeiro and Guerrero from them. On the Thomas bat – although authenticated, they do not tell you how much “game use” it has had. B&E collectibles is very honest on ebay and will tell you if a gu bat is actually “rack” used and only paint scuffed as opposed to actual ball marks. The ones I like, you can see ‘seam’ marks in the wood!
Hope this is a start. PM me anytime!
Mike

edit for clarity

Kid4hof03

All the information from Mike is great and right on. With game used bats it is actually quite easy if you do your research. First of all, this Thomas bat comes from a good dealer, you can trust their info. The Hoosier bat is not one that you can simply buy in a sporting goods store. They are made specifically for a player after an order is made. If I were you I'd search through completed auctions, check out baseball cards for like bats and check out some of the books mentioned before.

Game used bats are great to collect. Contrary to your previous question, you can handle them, they are baseball bats, they are not fragile. The thing I love about collecting them is that I can handle them. There is nothing like swinging a Reggie Jackson or Bernie Williams game used bat. You can display them easily. Some buy the cases that are sold, I have them simply stacked with game used jerseysor other memorabilia of the same player.

As for authenticity it's all about research. The truth is all of Louisville Slugger's info is available. The bats that players use can not be bought by the general public, so it's a matter of learning markings, model's etc.

It's an addictive hobby, but one that is well worth the time and energy on expends. I've collected them for about 10 years now and love every minute of it. I've collected mostly 70's-90's bats, I don't collect any current bats because there are too many of them and they are too expensive. Have fun if you decide to take the plunge.

Abe

Aknot

When displaying them take a 6 inch deck nail and drive it through the thickest portion of the bat. You may have to pre-drill to avoid splitting. Of course if you do no predrill expect to try 2 or three times. Then you can just attach it to any wall.















Im joking of course.

Spinrx

I also have several GU bats. I am trying to put the 1998 Astros team batting lineup together. (They are the only Astro team to have 100+ wins) I have gotten a lot of the bats from Zane Burns both in person and from e-bay (Zanebats). He is certainly a very trustworthy and knowledgeable dealer.

Kid4hof03- I also like the fact that you can handle the bats, however I handle my Moises Alou bat much less now that certain things have come to light.....


SpinRx

fsjeter

Jeff,

Welcome to the club! I started collecting game used bats late last year myself. So far I've managed to get a Ricky Henderson Louisville Slugger gamer from 1991 (his MVP season) and an Alex Rodriguez X Bat gamer from 2002-03 (I love the little U.S. flags they put opn the barrels). I agree with Mike in that the Mastronet guide is invaluable reading. It details label designs and markings that are important for dating bats. Unfortunately, it concentrates on Louisville Slugger and Adirondack (Rawlings) labels. With all the new recent bats (Hoosier, Sam, X Bat, Mizuno, etc.) it is a little more difficult. I hope they update that book soon!

When trying to determine if it is "the real deal," player familiarity is a good start. Knowing that players model, bat weight, and bat length is a good starting point. Also, knowing the players habits with regard to their bats. Most players tend to tape, tar, or sand their bat handles a certain way (like the big wad of tape at the end of Sammy Sosa's bats). Actual game use is more difficult. Usually determined by ball/rack/spike marks.

As far as displaying, Pennzoni makes some nice display pieces. You might also want to check out Leftfield Collectibles. They usually have a nice selection of gamers. Best of Luck to You!!

Scott

Stone193

Abe, Scott, Spin some really good contributions - I know there are others out there who are serious about this collectible. I am a serious card collector and I have had some good exchanges with Morrell Mark on the childhood tactile 'experience' of handling cards but truth be it - handling paper will take its toll over time. Now a bat - you can really "Handle" it!
Thanks Aknot for "nailing" down the issue; after a 6 pack and a box of nails - my wife is pissed with the holes in the wall!
I hope we can keep up the exchange, I know I have a lot of homework to do. And Scott, Leftfield collectibles has been advertising in SCD for many years and IMO appears very reputable.
Sometimes I think how great it would've been to be a batboy for a major league team - heck - I'm signin up for the San Antonio Dodgers!
Mike

DirtyHarry

BBJeff - an inexpensive way to protect and/or display is with clear bat tubes. A lot less expensive (think I paid about $6 ea) than some of the customized cases. If you want to wall mount them, just pick up some suitable curved wooden brackets at a crafts store and you will have the flexibility to place them wherever you like.

I don't have any game used bats, but do enjoy having a few auto'd vintage store bought bats in my memoribilia collection - Mantle, Mays,
Colavito and Rose. The only game use they ever saw was from me growing up, so it was a pretty cool experience to have them auto'd in person. I also have a limited edition, black 1969 Mets World Champions/Rheingold bat that I am one auto short (Nolan Ryan) of having team signed. Good luck with your new adventure!