Here is a link to an auction I recently won. Can anyone give me any insight into the authenticity of this bat???? I would REALLY appreciate it!!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8714606847&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

The seller said he purchased the item from a Butterfields auction in San Francisco, where the bat was originally intended for charity. Furthermore, he said it does not have any symbols on the handle, only four square indents. What do you think? Thanks!

Chad,

I'm confused. Do you mean that there are no factory markings on the knob? If so, that is a problem. The bat may be an extra bat (store, promotional, etc.) that the Big Hurt signed and then someone added the notations and added the LOA (the LOA looks real but likely originally came with another bat if there are no factory markings on the knob of this one).

This is the kind of thing that is absolutely essential to know before bidding.

Reid

If you would like to receive my list of game used baseball and basketball items, please email me at rgf2@hotmail.com.

Yeah....there is no factory numbering on the handle. Is there ALWAYS a factory issue number on the handle?

Thanks for your response

Hey.....disregard this previous message. It turns out that I misunderstood him.

There are 3 sets of numbers on the base of the handle.

#'s are: 1 7 5 A. Below that is 576B. Below that is 075 97

Chad,

I still think it is odd that the HR notation is written with a different silver paint pen.

Yes, there must be the model, batch, and year numbers factory-stamped into the knob on Adirondack/Rawlings bats from this era.

Reid

If you would like to receive my list of game used baseball and basketball items, please email me at rgf2@hotmail.com.

Chad,

Note that the silver paint pen used for the signature was clearly different from the silver paint pen used for the notations. Normally, the pen will be the same as the player will sign his name and add the notations immediately afterwards.

Reid

If you would like to receive my list of game used baseball and basketball items, please email me at rgf2@hotmail.com.

Hey- those rectangular indents were put there by Thomas' marketing people when they sold the game used bats. The bat is good as far as game use goes. The HR-- it'll always be debatable.