Pete Rose W243 Bat

[1rosefan]

Hi. I just purchased a Pete Rose 84-85 Louisville Slugger model W243 bat off ebay. The seller was calling it a "batting pratice" or "fantasy" bat. I am pretty sure Rose ordered this model in 1984. Can you tell me for sure?

Thanks, Dave. 1rosefan
shashi4g@aol.com

[1rosefan]

Re: Pete Rose W248 Bat

Sorry about the typo. The Rose bat is actually a W248. Thanks for any info.

Dave. 1rosefan
shashi4g@aol.com

[MSpecht]

Re: Pete Rose W243 Bat

Hi Dave--

I looked for the bat you bought in the "completed items" section of ebay but was unable to locate that auction.

Without seeing the bat or description, however, here is the information from H & B factory records:

Model W248 is a very uncharacteristic (thus rare) model for Pete Rose to have used. Only two orders of that model are documented as having been shipped to Rose during his entire career. Here are the specifics to assist in determining if the bat you purchased is one of those documented below:

07/06/84 W248 34 inches / 32 ounces 6 bats no finish indicated
likely natural

This order was sent to Pete as a member of the Montreal
Expos

12/11/64 W248 34 inches / 32 ounces 24 bats finish "none"

This order was sent to Rose as a member of the Cincinnati
Reds. These bats were likely used during spring training and,
given the number of bats in the order, made it to the regular
season.Whether they were actually used during an actual
Major League game, however, is questionable, given Rose's
contractual obligations with Mizuno during that period.
Additional research and a photo search may provide a better
indication.

In addition to the above, two (2) Model W248 Pete Rose bats were sent to Baseball Promotions on 01/08/65 with the same dimensions as noted above, likely for some promotional event that Rose may or may not have actually participated in.

If you can provide a link to the auction either on theis forum or to me directly (email address below), I'd be glad top look closer and provide any additional information I can.

Good Luck in future collecting.

Mike Jackitout7@aol.com