Value of Game Used Bats
TheVon
Posts: 2,725 ✭
As I primarily focus my collecting efforts on baseball cards, I have very little knowledge of the factors that go into the value of a game used piece of equipment other than popular player or important game = increased value.
Lately I've wanted to expand my collecting interests and I've been looking at purchasing game used bats. Although any bat I purchase will be for enjoyment purposes first and foremost and, therefore, won't be a true investment, I do want to make sure that I "never get cheated" and I'd like to find out more about the kinds of things I should be looking for when considering a purchase. For instance, if the knob of the bat has the player's name and number written on it, is that good or bad? Is pine tar on the handle a positive attribute? What if the bat was cracked?
I'd love to hear your thoughts and see your pictures if you have any!
Lately I've wanted to expand my collecting interests and I've been looking at purchasing game used bats. Although any bat I purchase will be for enjoyment purposes first and foremost and, therefore, won't be a true investment, I do want to make sure that I "never get cheated" and I'd like to find out more about the kinds of things I should be looking for when considering a purchase. For instance, if the knob of the bat has the player's name and number written on it, is that good or bad? Is pine tar on the handle a positive attribute? What if the bat was cracked?
I'd love to hear your thoughts and see your pictures if you have any!
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Comments
Im a member there and there is a ton of collectors with knowledge willing to help you out.
Just like sportscards, the game used side has tons of fraud going on, so be sure to research an item before purchasing it.
Players have certain characteristics with their equipment, such as pine tar application, mota stick, tape jobs, knob writings, etc.
If its a big player your looking for, its wise to research his characteristics.
Be sure to check out the exceptionally educational thread so you can learn about year tags, nameplates, special patches, and everything else.
a lot of bat characteristics are a positive/negative based on personal taste... like some guys like hardly used bats some heavily used. generally cracked bats are less desired (many people repair them which is accepted in the hobby), do you get the SMR? theres a good intro in it for gu bats. also type of bat is something to consider, it always amazes me how many mlb players use these garage company made bats... stuff like LVS, Sam Bat, Mizuno, etc... always sell for more. Also, frequently auto game used bats can be had for a similar cost of non-auto game used.
You should also pick up a copy of MastroNet Reference and price guide for collecting game used bats. Its by Dave Bushing and Dan Knoll. The prices are outdated due to it being published in 2001, but it makes a great guide to things to look at when purchasing a game used bat. It has terms that are used when collecting and also a bat dating guide to show you what years a bat was made by looking at the label. Also if you are looking to collect hall of famers there is a section on them also which show the different lenghts and weight and model numbers they used. All in all a pretty good book.
Do you get the SMR? theres a good intro in it for gu bats.
I do get the SMR, but like a lot of people, I don't actually read it. I guess I will check out that section.
I like the idea of having a cracked bat. This may be a naive position, but it makes it seem "more game-used" to me. I guess I will fall into the camp that prefers the heavily used bats.
Here are a couple of sites to help you with dating bats. These are good to bookmark for reference.
Louisville Slugger Bat Dating
Adirondack Bat Dating
Me personally, I like my bats showing good use. And if it is cracked, does it still have good eye appeal? But that's just me. I'm sure you will find your own niche and what fits your taste.
Best of luck with your new avenue of collecting, be sure to share your finds with the rest of us!
Edited to add: thanks to all those who confirmed that I needed to call them to make a cc payment. I called and they were very easy to deal with. I'll post a scan when I receive my item. I can't wait!