eGameUsed
06-15-2008, 06:32 PM
All,
I have received 9 questions over the last couple of days regarding Craig Biggio use characteristics. Here are some useful tips to help make a good buying decision. I have broken them down in three categories. If you ever have any questions regarding Biggio or any other Astros item, please feel free to e-mail me at eGameUsed@comcast.net. Here are the categories:
Pine Tar
The Astros use a unique pine tar that is not as wet as some tars. The tar dries quickly, yet remains tacky. Believe it or not, it has a unique odor that is pretty distinguishable. Craig has had some interesting habits throughout the years, and unfortunately has changed a bit. From the late 1990s to 2003, Craig loaded the tar on the bats, to the point it caked on. In early 2004, around the time of the "Select Maple" era, he took a less-is-better approach. Then, in late 2004 around the time of the M9, he started to layer it on again. See the photos below.
In this photo, the bats from top to bottom are Mid-2003 Maple, Early 2004 "Select Maple," Late 2004 M9, 2005 M9, and 2006 M9.
12431
As you can see, the tar went from heavy in 2003, to very light in early 2004, then to moderate. Biggio never clumped on a thick coat of tar in one location, but it accumulated over time. Here are pics of Biggio in the same eras:
2003 Heavy Tar
12432
2004 Light to no tar
12433
2005 Moderate Tar
12434
So, as you can tell, even though he changed in the era, it is obvious to tell a proper Biggio application:
Knobs
Biggio ordered model H176 bats from Louisville Slugger exclusively since the early 1990s. He preferred the taped knob. In addition, Biggio kept a tool in the clubhouse to further taper the knob. I have never seen a legitimate Biggio bat without a modified knob. Attached are pictures of Biggio bats from 2004 "Select Maple" and 2005 M9 eras compared with a Game Issued 2005 World Series bat. As you can see, the knob has been altered from it's original state.
12435
12436
And finally,
Tape
Biggio tape is pretty obvious. He uses a special and it always spirals up in the same direction. See photos above. Also, the tape always begin to carry a light to medium brown color as the tar and dirt get ground in. I have seen a few bats offered with a dark to black color on the tape. Craig has always used white leather batting gloves, so the tape never picks up the color of black or other color gloves. In general, the upper part (12 to 14 inches up) of tape will look pretty clean or with a lot less use. The extent of tape application is very consistent from year to year, but it will change between years. In general, it should be no less than 12 inches and no more than 14 inches.
I hope this helps for anyone that was interested. Be careful for Biggio bats. There have been a significant number of game issued and signed bats available for sale. In fact, I have seen a couple of "Select Maples" and one M9 available withing the last few months. Biggio bats are one of the toughest to come by in the modern era. If you have any other questions, please let me know!
Thanks,
I have received 9 questions over the last couple of days regarding Craig Biggio use characteristics. Here are some useful tips to help make a good buying decision. I have broken them down in three categories. If you ever have any questions regarding Biggio or any other Astros item, please feel free to e-mail me at eGameUsed@comcast.net. Here are the categories:
Pine Tar
The Astros use a unique pine tar that is not as wet as some tars. The tar dries quickly, yet remains tacky. Believe it or not, it has a unique odor that is pretty distinguishable. Craig has had some interesting habits throughout the years, and unfortunately has changed a bit. From the late 1990s to 2003, Craig loaded the tar on the bats, to the point it caked on. In early 2004, around the time of the "Select Maple" era, he took a less-is-better approach. Then, in late 2004 around the time of the M9, he started to layer it on again. See the photos below.
In this photo, the bats from top to bottom are Mid-2003 Maple, Early 2004 "Select Maple," Late 2004 M9, 2005 M9, and 2006 M9.
12431
As you can see, the tar went from heavy in 2003, to very light in early 2004, then to moderate. Biggio never clumped on a thick coat of tar in one location, but it accumulated over time. Here are pics of Biggio in the same eras:
2003 Heavy Tar
12432
2004 Light to no tar
12433
2005 Moderate Tar
12434
So, as you can tell, even though he changed in the era, it is obvious to tell a proper Biggio application:
Knobs
Biggio ordered model H176 bats from Louisville Slugger exclusively since the early 1990s. He preferred the taped knob. In addition, Biggio kept a tool in the clubhouse to further taper the knob. I have never seen a legitimate Biggio bat without a modified knob. Attached are pictures of Biggio bats from 2004 "Select Maple" and 2005 M9 eras compared with a Game Issued 2005 World Series bat. As you can see, the knob has been altered from it's original state.
12435
12436
And finally,
Tape
Biggio tape is pretty obvious. He uses a special and it always spirals up in the same direction. See photos above. Also, the tape always begin to carry a light to medium brown color as the tar and dirt get ground in. I have seen a few bats offered with a dark to black color on the tape. Craig has always used white leather batting gloves, so the tape never picks up the color of black or other color gloves. In general, the upper part (12 to 14 inches up) of tape will look pretty clean or with a lot less use. The extent of tape application is very consistent from year to year, but it will change between years. In general, it should be no less than 12 inches and no more than 14 inches.
I hope this helps for anyone that was interested. Be careful for Biggio bats. There have been a significant number of game issued and signed bats available for sale. In fact, I have seen a couple of "Select Maples" and one M9 available withing the last few months. Biggio bats are one of the toughest to come by in the modern era. If you have any other questions, please let me know!
Thanks,