Rod Carew/Cleveland Indians bat
 

I bought this bat around 1997. The story from the seller was that after Carew retired, he agreed to become a coach for the Indians. Although that never happened, supposedly the team had some bats made for him. As you can see, it's a signature model with "Cleveland Indians" below his name. It's also autographed.

I didn't totally buy the story, because why would Carew want a coaches bat that essentially is a players model (C243)? It seems to me he'd want a few fungo bats. Plus, being an Indians fan and collector, I never heard that he and the club were in talks for him to become a coach. That being said, I could see that happening without it being made public.

Despite my doubts, I bought it because of the Indians marking. I thought it was interesting because Carew never had an official role with the team, and I'm a Cleveland collector.

Any thoughts as to what it might be? The photo shows all the markings. There's nothing on the knob or anywhere else on the barrel.

Thanks, Rob

Cool bat. I know Carew used C243s very often during his career and received post-career shipments of that model as well. Not surprising since he was a hitting coach for many years.

I'm bumping this thread one time just in case someone who might have an answer didn't see it the first time around.

Thanks, Rob

Interesting. Thanks. I don't think it ever happened, but it's good to know it was in the works at one point.