Bat question...Rawlings "Professional Model" vs Team Name

[JMEnglish27]

Hi all,

Having a tough time tracking down timelines on this particular info.

I've got a couple McGwire bats...one Oakland era game issued, and a Cards era one I just picked up that I'm certain wasn't game issued or used.

The 88-89 Oakland bat, the label says "Professional Model" under the name, and I've seen game used bats from that era which also show that.

The Cardinals bat also says "Professional Model" but all the Cards era game used bats I've seen say Cardinals under the name. I should note the Cards bat doesn't have any numbering stamped into the knob.

So, my question is, with these Rawlings bats, what's the tell on something from this era being a store model vs. an actual pro model? I'd like to know if what I have is a pro model or a store model, basically...and be able to tell a little more easily if I pick up any more late 90s Rawlings stuff.

[JMEnglish27]

Somewhat answered my own question here, so I'm sharing in case anyone in the future happens upon this post.

http://birdbats.com/birdbats.com/jef...80-current.htm

I'm *assuming* my Cardinals bat is retail, because it has no stamping of any kind in the knob.

[mcgwirecom]

Hi, I own the website mcgwire.com (currently down for some reason) I had a great article on game bats there. Hopefully I can get it back up soon. Early in his Oakland days there were bats that said Professional Model. But i have never seen one from St Louis. The giveaway is this, ALL his Rawlings/Adirondak bats will be 34.5 inches long. If it is 34 inches it is a store model. I have seen folks even stamp the numbers on the knob of a store model but you can't make them longer!