Rice Bat

[stradermays]

Can I get some help on this Rice bat? Is it a team ordered bat or a store model? The bat is an R43, 33 in, 32oz, with no markings on the knob.
Thank you,
Michael

[MSpecht]

Hi Michael-- A review of Jim Rice's personal H & B records from 7/7/1971 through 5/3/1993 and beyond, documents no orders of model R43 bats ordered by Rice for his personal professional use. In addition, the length of the bat is a concern, as Rice generally ordered bats much longer than this bat -- most often 36 inches. This bat appears, from the photo, to have been manufactured during the 1980-83 labeling period. During that period Rice ordered bats between 34 1/2 inches and 36 inches, and no model R43 bats. All bats documented during that period in lengths of 34 inches or less were promotional bats. While it is possible that this is a team index bat, ordered by the Red Sox organization, the number of professional players who actually use bats of 33 inches or less is quite small.

Mike jackitout7@aol.com

[stradermays]

Mike, Thanks for the information.