Yes, it is very clear in the title! Sorry. Though I'm not 100% sure, I believe that Rawlings ALCS bats from 1998 should have the following stamped into the knob:
model number (e.g., 456B), "ALCS", year (1998)
In other words, for a Rawlings model 456B, for example, you would see "456B ALCS 1998" on the knob. ALCS should be spelled out (all four letters), I believe, as well as all four digits of the year (i.e., 1998 and not just 98).
I hope this helps. I'm not sure what "AL 98" by itself means. These are the only markings on the knob? What are the barrel markings? Can you post a couple of photos?
Make me an offer I cant refuse. I was going to send this Jason Varitek ALCS bat out to one of the top bat dealers for sale, he's saying it should go for top dollar, being that it was used in the greatest comeback in sports history the 2004 ALCS. I have not seen another 2004 ALCS bat or other 2004 ALCS game used items for sale or auction anywhere.
Reid,
I took your advice and sent an email to John Taube. Within an hour I received a reply from Mr. Taube confirming my suspicion that the "AL 98" on the knob refers to the 1998 ALCS. He attatched a few photo's from his bat catologues that match perfectly with my bat. Mr. Taube, Thanks again for the prompt and informative reply.
I'm glad that was helpful. However, you may want to ask John Taube the following:
"If those are the markings for 1998 ALCS (Conference Series) bats, what are the markings for 1998 ALDS (Division Series) bats?"
The Rawlings ALCS bats from recent years that I've seen have all had "ALCS" stamped into the knob (not just "AL"), so there was no question as to whether they were from the ALDS or ALCS. This is one of the main reasons that I wasn't sure about your bat. In 1998, were ALDS bats stamped the same as regular season bats? Were they stamped the same as 1998 ALCS bats (in which case, your bat would be an ALDS/ALCS bat)? Or were they marked uniquely (and if so, how?)?
Hi Reid,
I too have numerous Rawlings/Adirondack Yankee bats stamped "ALCS 2003" & "ALCS 2004" (I feel like burning the 2004 bats). I haven't seen a Rawlings bat produced for the ALDS. Do you have one?
I don't...but I thought they started stamping the NLDS and ALDS bats uniquely. I thought I'd seen one or two somewhere, I just can't remember. This is why I thought it would be a good follow-up question for John (and follow-up post for readers of this forum).
It's a great follow up question. Mr. Taube was pretty clear in his reply to me that the markings indicate ALCS. I must admit, I feel a little funny repeatedly emailing someone whom makes a living authenticating bats for free advice. I'm hoping we find the answer from other collectors.
Vince Malta and John Taube got back to me about your bat question. John stated that Rawlings is inconsistent regarding their post-season bats (which is exactly why we are having this discussion!). He suggested that Bill Steele at Rawlings be called as he may be of some assistance. That is up to you as this is where I get off this train. If it were my bat, I would have to know ... but you have to decide what amount of information satisfies your interest/curiosity. Vince also stated that Rawlings is inconsistent with respect to these bats. At the very least, it sounds like it is a 1998 Bernie Williams post-season bat. It sounds like Bill Steele may be able to narrow it down for you from there.
Follow-up from John Taube (second response from him) is that Bill Steele/Rawlings did not give him a straight answer about this when he originally asked them the question I posed above (regarding Conference Series v. Division Series 1998 bat knob markings). This one may remain somewhat of a mystery. What are the markings on the barrel? I'm assuming the markings on the barrel are not special. Vince Malta also cautioned: "What is critical is that the bat is the correct length and weight for the player as occassionally Rawlings will make a few extra event bats for signatures only, at the request of the player."
Reid,
Wow, Thanks for the great follow-up. The Bernie Williams is 34-1/2" & 32oz. I know for sure it's a gamer. It came directly from the clubhouse with a handle crack. All other markings on the bat are typical to regular season gamers. I also have gamers from Posada, Brosius, Girardi and Tino Martinez with the exact same "AL 98" stamp. If I see a player signing in my area I'll bring the bat. Maybe they can provide some insight? Thanks for all your help, hopefully this forum will produce the answer.
