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Hank Aaron 704 HR Bat from Memory Lane auction - what am I missing?

detroitfan2detroitfan2 Posts: 3,366 ✭✭✭✭
in Trading Cards & Memorabilia Forum
The following is from this item in the current Memory Lane auction:

From the provenance section:

Lacombe outlines the event in a personally signed letter. In that letter he states Aaron personally gave him the bat he used to hit the 704th Home run at the end of the game. Lacombe notes in his letter that he gave Aaron a new bat that game. Aaron hit the 704th Home Run with it. Aaron then cracked the bat on his next turn at bat hitting a foul ball. The bat was then set aside in a secure place in the Dugout. After the game Aaron personally gave the bat to the young batboy Lacombe.

From the heavy usage section:

Mears indicates the Bat usage as Heavy with ball marks and stitch marks "Deeply Embedded". There are also Bat rack markings on the bat and light cleat marks. The Bat has a 6" long crack running through the Hillerich & Bradsby centerbrand stamping which is consistent with the Batboy's letter of authenticity.

My question: Maybe I'm taking the term "new" too literally, but would a new bat that was used in 2 at-bats contain heavy ball marks and stitch marks? What about bat rack markings and cleat marks? Thoughts?

Comments

  • bxbbxb Posts: 805 ✭✭
    So let me see if I've got this right.

    It's certified as a genuine Hank Aaron bat.

    But the only proof that it's the one used for HR #704 is based on one guy's say so. And it was a new bat, but somehow appears heavily used.

    That's sweet.

    Caveat emptor.

    Capecards
  • vintagetoppsguyvintagetoppsguy Posts: 871
    I don't know anything about bat authentication, but it sounds fishy to me. Anybody ever hear of Mears? Mears spelled backwards is ream and I think someboby is going to get reamed on this!
  • rube26105rube26105 Posts: 10,225 ✭✭
    ive never heard of mears,but the ream sound lke a pretty likely story on this one!
    randy
  • dtsadtsa Posts: 235 ✭✭
    authenticity is spelled wrong.
    That doesnt bother anyone?
  • GriffinsGriffins Posts: 6,076 ✭✭✭
    Mears is THE authentication service for game used stuff. Even so, there is so much bogus GU items going around, even in auction houses, I don't know how anyone can feel comfortable bidding on a lot of this stuff.
    After a bit of a recent fiasco Mears is about to insist on a new code of conduct from all auction houses by mid November, or they will not authenticate the auction houses items. The code of conduct includes agreeing not to doctor cards for grading, and a lot of other similar actions. It will be very interesting to see which auction houses agree to this. Not having Mears seal of approval on a GU item is a lot like an auction house being banned from using PSA or SGC on cards.
    Related reading

    Always looking for Topps Salesman Samples, pre '51 unopened packs, E90-2, E91a, N690 Kalamazoo Bats, and T204 Square Frame Ramly's

  • TheCARDKidTheCARDKid Posts: 1,496 ✭
    There's some collectibles that I'll never get into..game used being one of them.

    Man I'd feel funny getting some of these things.

    And the "new bat", that's "heavily used."

    Hmmmmm.....
  • yankeeno7yankeeno7 Posts: 9,253 ✭✭✭
    There is only one thing I am looking for as Game Used....and that is a David Wells NY Yankees cap. He would often auction them on ebay autographed along with an autographed ball and autographed game used gloves. He did this for his charity. If anyone knows where I can find one, please let me know!

    Barry
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