Who writes the player numbers on the ends of the bats?

[richpick]

I am sure there is more then one definitive answer to this question but who writes the players numbers on the knobs of their bats? Does the player, clubhouse manager, manager, coach, caterer, organist? who generally does this and how much validity does this weigh in determining an authentic bat?

Richard

[bigtruck260]

From what I have seen, it is a combination of clubhouse manager and players in the Cardinal's clubhouse. Many different varieties of handwriting, but it is important to note that I have never seen anything in blue. Usually, numbers/wt./lnth are written in black (natural) and silver (black and dark colors)...OCCASIONALLY, I have seen a gold pen used.

Dave

http://http://www.freewebs.com/bigtruck260/index.htm

[bigtruck260]

Sorry - you can look at a few samples of Cardinal bats here (gave you an incorrect link)

Dave

http://www.freewebs.com/bigtruck260/index.htm

[JasonHalliburton]

I have numerous Nationals bats that have numbers such as 2, 23, 12, etc. All the 2's are written by the same person, so definately not the player that is writing it....

[EricDavis44fan]

The only bats I have are Eric Davis. I have about 100 Davis autographs and the numbers on the bats match the handwriting on my autographs where they are inscribed "33" and "44". I also have a game used hat, and the number on the bill matches his handwriting. So Eric definately marked his own bats. The only exeption is the cards bat. The "24" is not even close to the others.

Dave

Always Looking for Eric Davis game used items

[bigtruck260]

Cards bats -

All Lankfords that I own (6) have the same handwriting.
Edgar Renteria is totally different (but matches others I have seen)
JD Drew - Different still

Probably 50/50? with players vs. attendants...

Jeff may tell you something different though. This is just my observation...

Dave

[allstarsplus]

I have numerous Nationals bats that have numbers such as 2, 23, 12, etc. All the 2's are written by the same person, so definately not the player that is writing it....

Jason - You could certainly be right as you have a great investigative background. I used to think that all the Nats bats were #'d by the same person until I got some of Alfonso's bats from the Cubs and Yankees and his 12 are the same on all of his gamers so I think Alfonso writes his own numbers on there.

My theory with the Nats bats was that they were trying some consistent look with the #'s on the bats no matter who was writing the numbers on there, but when you get enough bats you can see differences such as Ryan Zimmerman. Usually a fancy 11 then a few times just a ll for the #'s then again throw that theory out the window with the Marrucci bats that come #'d from the factory!

7190

Andrew