Help with Jim Rice bat

[MJB14]

There are 2 listings on ebay for game used Rice bats. I was wondering if anybody with either bat records or knowledge on game bats could help tell me if they are legit. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

This one is 34" long (no weight)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=150251895897&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=005

This one is 34.5" long (no weight)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=110255875298&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=001

[MSpecht]

Re: Help with Jim Rice bat

A review of Jim Rice's H & B factory records indicates the following;

Bat # 1 S2 with 34 inch length): There is no documentation in Rice's records that he ordered or used a Model S2 Louisville Slugger during the 1977-79 labeling period. Also, there is no documentation relative to his use of a 34 inch bat of any model, All of his professional models were between 35 inches and 37 inches, with most being toward the higher range. It is possible that this bat is a team index bat, but given the model and length, it would have been very uncharacteristic of rice to have personally used this bat.

Bat # 2 (34.5 inch Model S2): During the 1980-83 labeling period, only three orders of model S2 bats werre shipped to Rice for his professional use as follows:
2/23/82 : S2 / 36 inches / 33 oz / 6 bats
3/8/82 : S2 / 36 inches / 34 oz / 6 bats
5/28/82: S2 / 36 inches / 33 oz / 12 bats

During the end of this labeling period, Rice did order some bats (various models but not including S2) in lengths of 34.5 inches, however no 34.5 inch model S2 bats are documented in his records.

Note that in 1971 and 1972, four of Rice's first seven H & B orders were for model S2 bats, in addition to R181 model bats which he had designed to his specifications (K100 barrel and S2 handle.) It is possible and likely that model S2 became Rice's Pro Stock model.

Mike Jackitout7@aol.com

[MJB14]

Re: Help with Jim Rice bat

Thanks for your help. I really appreciate it.