George Brett bat on ebay

[bagbig]

Does anybody have thoughts on the Brett bat on ebay right now?? Could that be an Anekonde Kaye?? Or did the anekonde kayes not have cupped barrels???

[byergo]

Re: George Brett bat on ebay

Who is Anekonde Kaye?

[MSpecht]

Re: George Brett bat on ebay

Hi--

Here is a link to the bat I think you are referring to:

http://cgi.ebay.com/GEORGE-BRETT-Game-Used-Bat-1988-ALL-STAR-SILVER-SLUGGER_W0QQitemZ8763544137QQcategoryZ60596QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Here is some information on 1986 - 1989 George Brett professional model bats.

During that labeling period Brett ordered Model C271 (uncupped) and Model C271C (cupped) for his professional use numerous times, with most orders being in 1988 and 1989. The breakdown is as follows :

1986 - Model C271 - no orders
Model C271C - no orders

1987- Model C271 - 3 orders, all 34 1/2 inches
Model C271C - no orders

1988 - Model C271 - 5 orders in lengths of 33 1/2 asnd 34 1/2 inches
Model C271C - 5 orders in lengths of 33 1/2 or 34 1/2 inches

1989 - Model C271 - 9 orders in lengths of 33 1/2, 34. and 34 1/2 inches
Model C271C - 5 orders in lehgths of 33 1/2 or 34 1/2 inches

Note that there exists no documentation exists on Brett's personal factory records that any Model C271C (cupped) bats were sent to any destination -- Brett, KC Royals, Baseball Miscellaneous, Anaconda-Kaye, Ike Company, Hampton, etc. during the 1986-1989 labeling period.

That being said, I would state my personal opinion that George Brett's factory records are among the most difficult / confusing in baseball, and that the 1986 - 1989 labeling period is one of the most difficult labeling periods to analyze. In addition to the transition use of foil stamped surface labeling and the use introduction of color stained pro bats with gold or silver foil stamping, H & B also sold a significant quantity of pro model player bats with 1986 - 1989 labeling to retailers and dealers. These are usually refered to as Anaconda=Kaye bats collectively, because Anaconda-Kaye widely offered these mint pro bats (including Brett C271) to the public Also, as recently as 1994, H & B produced bats for minor league teams with 1986 - 1989 pro labeling. Those bats often had current star players on the barrel.

This particular bat, given the sometimes confusing dynamics of this labeling period, falls into the category of "If you are offered a pro model 1986 - 1989 bat displaying some game use, focus on more than just the labeling and Model number in order to determine the legitimacy of the bat. Focus specifically on the game use characteristics of the individual player. Looking at the scans, several known George Brett characteristics are indicated. The best resource for Brett game use characteristics is at www.vintagebats.com -- check it out closely. Also, you might want to double check with the seller and insure an accurate measurement of the bat. Finally, you may want to get a better scan of the knob of the bat, and determine what ink marks or (hopefully not) engraving is present besides the marker Number 5 -- I was unable to get a good enough picture of the scan to make that determination.

Good Luck with future collecting.

Mike

[bagbig]

Re: George Brett bat on ebay

Thanks alot Mike, very useful information. I greatly appreciate all of your help. Have a good one.