In reviewing the H & B factory records from 10/26/81 through 8/5/97, the article referenced above is accurate. By far the most common length for Gwynn gamers was 32.5 inches, with a few exceptions (very few) of 32 inches or 33 inches. In 1983 a few 33.5 inch bats were ordered also. 31 ounce weight was by far Gwynn's standard order. I live in San Diego, and seeing Gwynn use Cooper and Worth bats was not typical, but not uncommon either. The dimensions stayed within the H & B perimeters on those bats also in my experience. Be aware that Gwynn became a self-promoter pretty early in his career, and many orders of Gwynn bats were sent to various maeketing firms such as Anaconda Kaye (1988-1994), Garvey Marketing (1988-1989), John Boggs Associates (1989-1992), and Ike Company (1995-1996), among others. Many of these 'promotion' bats were ordered in lengths of 34 inches, and many would be heavier than Gwynn's preferred weight of between 30 and 31 ounces. As Tony got closer to 3000 hits and the end of his Hall of Fame career, promotion opportunities increased dramatically, and were overseen by his wife through Tony's own company. Commonly seen on Gwynn game used bats are either tape or heavy pine tar, length and weight notations on the knob, and uniform number on the knob and the (usually) cupped end. H & B Models B267C and C263C were most frequently ordered by Gwynn. Other models he used include K55 (rookie era) G168C, G169C, and G170C. Good Luck with your auction.
Mike
