Question for you bat experts out there...

[GKreindler]

Hey guys,

I had a weird question for ya, and I'm not quite sure it'll even make any sense, but here goes...

When a player would receive a shipment of their personal model bats in the 20s (or really any time during the golden era), were there any color differences within those models? In other words, just a casual look at bats will show that they're many different tones that the colors can take on, whether it's a white ash or a deep chocolate brown. Obviously a lot of that probably has to do with the wood itself, but I was wondering if anyone knew whether the sheen on the bats of the same model were consistent with each other.

For arguments sake, would an early 1920s Ruth H&B 250 model bat always be that deep brown?

Anywho, any help with this mundane detail is greatly appreciated!!

Thanks,

Graig

[steve B]

Wood finishes can be variable depending on how they were mixed. A bit more finish, a bit less thinner, and it won't have the same color.

Some finishes and most older ones darken with age, so the color we see today isn't how they looked in the 20's. That aging also varies by the finish and storage conditions. Wrapped in soft cloth in a nice climate controlled situation - Not as much darkening. Stuffed in the rafters of a barn, or in a sunny window of an attic with big temperature swings - Lots of color change.

Some woods also change with time and light exposure, but I don't think any of them are used for bats. (unfinished Cherry will change in about a week or so in the sun, don't leave the table legs on the tabletop over the week waiting to finish the project without a dark tarp over it.)

Steve B

[MGHPro]

Hi Graig
I have 6 or 7 250 bats and 3 of those being Ruth. They are all on the dark side. I think a finish was applied to them in most cases given them the color. I even have a 250 mini bat that is dark. I have seen a few 250's which were lighter but they were pre 20's bat.
Matt

[GKreindler]

Thanks for your great replies, guys - it really helps a lot. Either way, I guess it's all just more reference information to make my head spin while I'm painting!

Well, to make it spin even more...

[MGHPro]

These might help..
Matt