80's Adirondacks with no Date Code??

[harpt]

How often do you see an Adirondack from 1980 or later without a single digit date code on the knob? I know that these bats should have this code. I have seen one or two lately though that have everything else going for them, but lack the final digit after the batch code. Is this more common than I think?

[harpt]

Re: 80's Adirondacks with no Date Code??

To be more specific:

I have a Charlie Moore Rawlings Adirondack with P302 in the Centerbrand (which still has parenthesis), and "BIG STICK" on the barrel. All of this being true, we know the bat is either from 1985 or 1986...but there is no "5" or "6" after the batch code on the knob (as should be the case).

The knob has a model number (381B) and batch number (211). That's it.

[SkubeBats]

Re: 80's Adirondacks with no Date Code??

Scott,
I have a Ted Simmons Adirondack that has a blue ring on the bat. Being a blue ring bat from his days with the Brewers. The problem that I have with this bat is it only has the model number on the knob (115B) with no batch or year code on the knob. This bat is from the 1981 0r 1982 season. Ted Simmons autographed this bat and said it was one of his game used bats. I was wondering if anyone had the same problem with their Adirondack bats. I was once told that this was common thing with early 1980's Adirondack bats. I know another guy has a Don Money bat missing the batch and year code from the early 1980's. I would like to see what you guy's think.
Thanks,
Jamie
jlschultz180@wi.rr.com

[BoneRubbedBat]

Re: 80's Adirondacks with no Date Code??

I think some of these anomalies are caused by light stamping. Look at this 1982 Reggie Jackson bat I am selling on e-bay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=280194240840

The batch code and year stamp are very superficial when compared to the model number. You can barely make out the year, even in person.

[suave1477]

Re: 80's Adirondacks with no Date Code??

I would think the most logical explanation is similar to the previous thread that those particular bats didnt get stamped hard enough to leave an impression on the bat knob. It is possible.
Maybe Jim Carravello can chime in on this one he is very knowledgeable on bats?

[metsbats]

Re: 80's Adirondacks with no Date Code??

I do remember reading somewhere (perhaps Bats or an old SCD Gone Bats article) that late 1979 bats or early 1980 bats had the new 80-82 center labeling and only the model numbers stamped like 71-79 labeling Adirondacks.

I owned a Joe Morgan GU Adirondack which had the 80-82 labeling but was dated a late 79 bat because of the lack of a lot and year stamp and only a model number.

David

[harpt]

Re: 80's Adirondacks with no Date Code??

Yes that's true...in fact I just learned that on Friday when I was reading Jeff's Birdbats site. They actually made the switch to the '80-82 labeling period in late '79. However, they did not use the batch code until '80, so if your bat (like some of the examples discussed) has a batch code but no yearly digit...it's likely just a stamping issue.

Thanks again to Jeff for this knowledge.