Cracked bat handles and values

[sicollector1954]

If it is a HOFers bat---obviously you want it done right. But you also need to consider the time frame involved for getting the bat done and back in your hands as well as the risks of shipping and cost for the repair work. I was informed this past week my bat is now being worked on that I sent to be repaired last August. Also, bats heading to auctions around the country and needing restoration take priority over little guys like me.

[Mark]

It is not a factor when I decide whether to buy a bat.

[Bugsy]

I prefer cracked bats if they are game used. From my perspective, if a player really loves a bat and it feels good in their hands, they're not going to just stop using it and give it away. It comes out of circulation when the bat either breaks or it wears out from a lot of grain separation. I'm sure it depends on the player, but a lot of uncracked ones could also be B.P. bats. And a cracked bat is a little tougher to doctor over an uncracked one. I just think it potentially helps with provenance.

[perezfan]

If you are talking antique bats or "type" bats (i.e. Mushroom Bats, Double-knob, Ball Balanced, Ring Bats, Decal Bats, Zebra Striped, etc.) then a crack can destroy the appearance and subsequently the value.

If you are talking game-used, then the crack can actually add to the bat's provenance. I personally like cracked G/U Bats, as long as they are still solid and intact. I don't like it if there's a chunk of wood dangling or missing or if it's an obvious or poorly done repair job.

[MCyganik]

Cracked vs uncracked doesn’t bother me as long as it presents well for display. I won’t buy a bat if the identifying features such as the barrel or name branding are significantly compromised with cracks or broken pieces. But on the flip side I’ve been able to get some deals on bats with significant cracks along the handle that, displayed in the right way, look unnoticeable.

[RCMcKenzie]

I have about 15 game used bats from the 1920's-1970's and they are all cracked. As noted above, it adds a story as to how it made it to my collection.

[Mark17]

Originally Posted by Bugsy

I prefer cracked bats if they are game used. From my perspective, if a player really loves a bat and it feels good in their hands, they're not going to just stop using it and give it away. It comes out of circulation when the bat either breaks or it wears out from a lot of grain separation. I'm sure it depends on the player, but a lot of uncracked ones could also be B.P. bats. And a cracked bat is a little tougher to doctor over an uncracked one. I just think it potentially helps with provenance.

This. With any GU item, the important thing is evidence of game use. Why would a player stop using a bat before it's unusable? Ball marks, stitch marks, handle and/or barrel scoring, name or other identifier on the knob, grip tape, pine tar, and the crack that made the player finally stop using it, are all desirable use characteristics to me. They all give the bat character.

[ooo-ribay]

Originally Posted by Bugsy

I prefer cracked bats if they are game used. From my perspective, if a player really loves a bat and it feels good in their hands, they're not going to just stop using it and give it away. It comes out of circulation when the bat either breaks or it wears out from a lot of grain separation. I'm sure it depends on the player, but a lot of uncracked ones could also be B.P. bats. And a cracked bat is a little tougher to doctor over an uncracked one. I just think it potentially helps with provenance.

I also agree with this. I collect SF Giants and, with the exception of late career Bonds’, no player was really in the business of retiring bats early for resale. In later times, I think this was pretty common practice with guys like McGwire, Sosa, A-Rod, Jeter, etc. I don’t like that. I want well used, well loved gamers.

[SyrNy1960]

I prefer heavily game used bats as is. PSA took off .5 for the crack on my Arod 1st Career Grand Slam Bat. I disagree, as the crack is part of its natural use.

[ooo-ribay]

Originally Posted by 3arod13

I prefer heavily game used bats as is. PSA took off .5 for the crack on my Arod 1st Career Grand Slam Bat. I disagree, as the crack is part of its natural use.

What does PSA know?

[Mark17]

Originally Posted by ooo-ribay

What does PSA know?

Taube is great when it comes to authentication, but less so on "grading." Pine tar, ball and stitch marks, etc. are considered desirable use characteristics, but a crack isn't? Makes no sense.