Let’s start a game used bat thread.

[JoeDfan]

Not sure if this technically qualifies as a gamer?
But you don't see these everyday, so I had to add it to my collection.

A heavy beast, 34 1/2" and 39.09 ounces.

And, it came from my own state of Maine, so that is just the icing on the cake!

[Scott Janzen]

Okay, after decades of collecting cards, I am really new at the whole collectible bats scene. Are all pro models collectible? or do you just buy PSA Certified Game Used Bats? This is one area that the internet is extremely vague on. PSA lists value for GU'd but how can a novice tell? And if it isn't game used, does it still have value?

Case in point: I just bought thisJackie Robinson model for $1 plus shipping on Ebay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/JACKIE-ROBI...rdt=true&rt=nc

I'm guessing it's a professional model but not game used because of the JR4 on the knob. Where can I find out more info on bats other than the $100 books on Amazon? Thanks for helping a rookie learn the ropes of the big leagues...Scott

[Scott Janzen]

BTW I know the Jackie Robinson bat has screws in it to hold it back together...obviously it was played with and broken in action by someone.

[bnorth]

That is NOT a Profesional Model it is a Store Model.

All bats have value, just some are worth more than others. I am kinda new to bats and collect everything from SGA to Game Used models.

I highly recommend this book. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Complete-Re...8AAOSwj-5eOvAf

[JoeDfan]

The guys on here are a HUGE help; but do yourself a big favor and get Vince Malta's Complete Guide to Louisville Sluggers.

Be very, very careful when you buy stuff. The tiniest detail can make all the difference between a legit gamer and a store model.

Do lots and lots of research. Ask lots of questions.

But have fun! To me, there is absolutely nothing like handling a bat that you know Joe DiMaggio once used, or Wade Boggs (hi Ben).
I walk into my baseball room all the time randomly, and just pick up some vintage lumber. I love it.
You never know whose bat will pop up next.

Sean

[Scott Janzen]

Thanks Ben and Sean; I'll get a copy of the Slugger book. I pretty much figured it was a store model but for $1 + shipping it still is cool. So what are store models tied to players worth? or is that in the book?

[Scott Janzen]

Originally Posted by Scott Janzen

Thanks Ben and Sean; I'll get a copy of the Slugger book. I pretty much figured it was a store model but for $1 + shipping it still is cool. So what are store models tied to players worth? or is that in the book?

Also, regarding more bats...there is an Estate sale this week near me (about 40 miles away) that is selling at least ten authenticated bats. Until I get there I don't know the players, the condition or any specifics, but they look well cared for in tubes. Do I print the PSA pricing pages or wing it? Also it seems like signed bats, versus gamed-used, are demanding higher than PSA pricing currently. Is that true?

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by Scott Janzen

Thanks Ben and Sean; I'll get a copy of the Slugger book. I pretty much figured it was a store model but for $1 + shipping it still is cool. So what are store models tied to players worth? or is that in the book?

The book gives you a lot of information on how to ID Louisville Slugger bats. It also has the ordering records of some big name players. There is no pricing guide in it at all.

Pricing is a PIA to figure out because there are so many different types of bats. I still harass the guy(Hi Sean) that got me into bat collecting with questions. I mainly used completed eBay listings for a price guide. Over the last 2 years I have made my own guide for the different bat types of the one player I collect.