Let’s start a game used bat thread.

[71buc]

Summer of 2022 I asked for examples on how other members here display their game used bat collection. There were some very nice displays and many options to choose from. I couldn’t make a decision. My 1971 Pirates Game used bat collection is likely the centerpiece of my myopic collection. I really wanted to do something unique and perhaps even a bit classy. Unfortunately those two characteristics are very foreign to me which served to compounded my ambivalence. I enlisted the help of a friend who is a talented artist. She brought her father along. He happened to be a big baseball fan and wanted to check out my collection. She said he had some good ideas. He listened to us discuss different options while he swung a few bats off to the side.

He asked if I would allow him to design something for me gratis. She explained that he was a finisher. I had no idea what a finisher was. I asked him if he had ever completed a similar project before. He only said, “I’ve done a few things”. His only conditions were that I had to cover the cost of materials, promise to be patient, and and most importantly trust him. It took the better part of a year and it was certainly worth the wait.

He used African mahogany and a Japanese charred wood technique called Shou Sugi Ban. He created numbers to be mounted above each player’s bat in a style that pays homage to the 1973 #21 Clemente memorial patch worn by the Pirates. He separated the black backsplash from the bat knobs with a gold groove that can be used to display pin-backs, photos, cards, or tickets essentially making it a display shelf. The visible wood grain almost looks like tiger eye as it shimmers when the light hits it. He said he was shooting for a look that might have been similar to the area on a pirate ship used to tie down rigging. He used LED lighting to illuminate the bats at night. As a final touch he purchased a small tablet and downloaded Game 7 of the 1971 World Series. It fits perfectly in the grove. He said the sound and video serve to bring the bats to life.

I shared his work with my friends at the Clemente museum. They gifted me the 42”x16” photo of the 1971 Bucs that’s mounted above the rack.

It turns out this finisher’s other “similar” projects were a Weyerhaeuser board room and trophy rooms at UCLA. He also has work on display at the Smithsonian. I suppose his talents meet my standards LOL. I was blessed by his generosity and know I couldn’t afford to commission such a talented artist.

[Scott Garner]

WOW! Mike, that bat and photo display is the bomb!!!
Congrats, my friend.

[Vintage Yankee]

That's a stunning display, Mike. Good things come to those who wait. Congrats!

[ooo-ribay]

That’s an awesome display, Mike! Congrats to you and your finisher. I swear it’s your good karma that causes things to “fall into place” for you!

[eastonfalcon19]

Wow incredible display. Congrats on the new set up.

[perezfan]

Gorgeous Wall, Mike...

He did a fantastic job, and what a great idea to add the circled numbers above each of the bats! The lighting is magical and really accents it all beautifully. I also love the giant Photo (with apparent matching frame).

I don't think it could be done any better... just a stellar job, proving that patience really pays off!

[JoeDfan]

Holy Moly! That looks AWESOME!

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by 71buc

Summer of 2022 I asked for examples on how other members here display their game used bat collection. There were some very nice displays and many options to choose from. I couldn’t make a decision. My 1971 Pirates Game used bat collection is likely the centerpiece of my myopic collection. I really wanted to do something unique and perhaps even a bit classy. Unfortunately those two characteristics are very foreign to me which served to compounded my ambivalence. I enlisted the help of a friend who is a talented artist. She brought her father along. He happened to be a big baseball fan and wanted to check out my collection. She said he had some good ideas. He listened to us discuss different options while he swung a few bats off to the side.

He asked if I would allow him to design something for me gratis. She explained that he was a finisher. I had no idea what a finisher was. I asked him if he had ever completed a similar project before. He only said, “I’ve done a few things”. His only conditions were that I had to cover the cost of materials, promise to be patient, and and most importantly trust him. It took the better part of a year and it was certainly worth the wait.

He used African mahogany and a Japanese charred wood technique called Shou Sugi Ban. He created numbers to be mounted above each player’s bat in a style that pays homage to the 1973 #21 Clemente memorial patch worn by the Pirates. He separated the black backsplash from the bat knobs with a gold groove that can be used to display pin-backs, photos, cards, or tickets essentially making it a display shelf. The visible wood grain almost looks like tiger eye as it shimmers when the light hits it. He said he was shooting for a look that might have been similar to the area on a pirate ship used to tie down rigging. He used LED lighting to illuminate the bats at night. As a final touch he purchased a small tablet and downloaded Game 7 of the 1971 World Series. It fits perfectly in the grove. He said the sound and video serve to bring the bats to life.

I shared his work with my friends at the Clemente museum. They gifted me the 42”x16” photo of the 1971 Bucs that’s mounted above the rack.

It turns out this finisher’s other “similar” projects were a Weyerhaeuser board room and trophy rooms at UCLA. He also has work on display at the Smithsonian. I suppose his talents meet my standards LOL. I was blessed by his generosity and know I couldn’t afford to commission such a talented artist.

I don’t check this thread often, but I took a look today and I saw Mike’s bat display. Man, that is without a doubt the best bat display that I have seen. The large photo above really just increases the visual appeal. Congrats on an awesome display; love it!

[ooo-ribay]

Just picked this up...Juan Uribe gamer. Juan only played two years for the Giants but had a career year for HRs and RBIs in the Giants World Series year of 2010. He hit an 8th inning go ahead HR in the game 6 NLCS clincher against the Phillies. He left the Giants after that year and went to the Evil Empire down south for basically an extra million. It all worked out, since he was nothing in LA and it opened the door for Brandon Crawford. Karma.

[magicwaters]

Hi guys. Created a new thread for this, but since this is by far the best game used bat one on the site, I figured I would cross post to make sure it got to the right collectors. Game Used and autographed Bats sale. Selling some game used/issued/model bats. Price includes shipping. Please email Info@MagicWaters.com with any questions. Thank you.

Alan Trammell game used, autographed and "1984 World Series MVP" inscribed 1980-83 era L/S bat. BP use. Both signature (AL39694) and bat (1B28047) are PSA authenticated (graded 5 because of BP use). $1,250.00

ULTRA RARE Carlos Baerga game used Mariners Rawlings bat. Most know Carlos Baerga as the three time All Star and two time Silver Slugger with the Indians and Mets. But most do not know that he signed with the Seattle Mariners in 2001, but was released prior to the start of that season. Consequently, few game used bats, if any at all, from Baerga's tenure with the Mariners have ever been available. Here you have one such black Rawlings bat. Bat has very good use and is guaranteed to pass PSA authentication, or full refund. $119.99

Gorgeous Brad Penny game used Marlins Rawlings bat. 2-time All Star. Great use and tape job on handle. Has "Penny" and "31" on knob. Bat is guaranteed to pass PSA/DNA authentication, or full refund. SOLD

Hammered Will Cordero game used Expos Rawlings bat. Bat of this former All Star and Silver Slugger award winner. Obtained during 1993-94 era. Great game use. Has his number "12" on knob. Bat guaranteed to pass PSA authenticity for game use, or full refund. $69.99

New HOF Todd Helton game issued Mizuno bat. PSA authenticated. Helton is doing an upcoming autograph signing, and this would be a great piece to get signed. $500

2023 All Star Austin Hays game used, signed and inscribed B-45 bat. The bat is MLB Authenticated and was used by Austin to get a single against Corey Kluber on 7/25/22, a fact that he has inscribed on the bat in silver sharpie. $415

Willie McCovey game model Hillerich & Bradsby bat. Bat has tons of use, but not being sold as game used by McCovey. Just game model. $500
Barry Bonds game model Young Co. bat. Bat has tons of use, but not being sold as game used by Bonds. Just game model. $500

Dwight "Doc" Gooden 1986 game issued and autographed Rawlings Adirondack bat. PSA authenticated and graded 5 as game issued. Rare nickname Rawlings bat from the Mets' 1986 championship season. SOLD

Keith Hernandez game used Louisville Slugger bat. Bat is hammered. Was originally acquired from Lelands, who represented hat the number 18 on the knob was Keith's. PSA later authenticated and mention in the letter that they believe the #18 was actually another player's. $398

[Shamus]

If the Hernandez bat was from his time with the Mets it was used by Strawberry.

[Batman]

Outstanding display, best I've seen. Solid work

[Trublubrucru]

Not the thread for selling. Different section