1996 McGwire Bat - MAC 25 model?

[mattmueller]

Currently on ebay is a 1996 Rawlings McGwire bat, offered by talkinbaseball. The bat is a MAC 25 model. I have always been of the understanding that the MAC 25 model of bat did not exist until McGwire was in St. Louis (late 1997). This thought is somewhat furthered by Birdbats' webpage where the Jeff's discussions with a Bill Steele indicate that he believes the first couple of Cardinals bat they made for McGwire were still 256 B models.

Any thoughts as to the timeline of the model switch, or the bat linked below would be appreciated. I realize it does not have customary knob markings (number, name and weight written on it), but other thoughts would be appreciated as well.

Thanks,
Matt

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300368358745&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

[Birdbats]

Mr. Steele told me he wasn't sure when the first MAC 25 was turned and that Mac's first few Cardinals bats may have been 256B models. To date, I have not come across a Cardinals bat that was anything other than a MAC 25 model; the next 256B Cardinals bat I see will be the first. I'm not versed in Mac's Oakland bats, but I don't think it's unreasonable to think the MAC 25 was being turned when McGwire was in Oakland.

[Rboitano]

I dont like the pine tar on the bat, looks off to me. I have a 1996 also that is a MAC25 model.

[panthrotc]

i won the bat. 363 aint too bad of a gamble if it turns out to be legit. I still regret not snatching the 96 mac bat that Bobby got a few years back. Ill take pics of the barrell detail when i get. If it is legit im makin progess...

90 signed gamer
96 signed gamer - jury will see when it comes
00 signed gamer

and we will attempt to get the 98 gamer signed at spring training. take care guys.

[mattmueller]

I dont like the pine tar on the bat, looks off to me. I have a 1996 also that is a MAC25 model.

Does your 1996 MAC25 have a number on the knob? Also, does it have name/weight written on the knob? The lack of those attributes on the ebay bat (and the light autograph) made me hold off. Just curious when he stopped with the number on the knob.

Matt

[panthrotc]

Does your 1996 MAC25 have a number on the knob? Also, does it have name/weight written on the knob? The lack of those attributes on the ebay bat (and the light autograph) made me hold off. Just curious when he stopped with the number on the knob.

Matt


the weight was not on all of his bats. The weight written was more common with the cardinal years. the bat on ebay has the mac25 and the year and batch number. That is a positive. ill have to see when i have the bat in hand. Bobbys bat had everything except the written weight i believe.

[cjmedina1]

Here are some pics of a recent auction of a 1996 Gamer.. It is also Stamped with MAC 25. I believe Bobby's 1996 Gamer is also stamped the same way.The bat pictured has 33 mcgwire written on the knob which is not present on the Ebay bat... Most bats I've seen either A's or Cardinals bats have the 33 Mcgwire written on the...

What makes Bobby bat different from the on pictured and ebay is the Center ring labeling.. I'm guessing since it was a late batch order they went ahead and sent a 96 bat with a 1997-2001 Rawlings labeling...Bobby please correct me if I'm wrong I'm going off of my memory,So I'm not 100 percent sure... Post some PICS if you can...

I've never seen a Pine Tar Pattern like the one that's on the ebay bat... I'm trying to search the web for pics but no luck.I'll try and Post more info later if I can get more info

[STLHAMMER32]

The bat on ebay's pinetar was very strange looking....I have yet to see a mcgwire bat look like that. That is ultimately why i decided to not bid on it. I do hope it turns out legit for the buyer.

[Rboitano]

Heres a photo of my 96

[Rboitano]

Its the third bat down

[panthrotc]

Here are some pics of a recent auction of a 1996 Gamer.. It is also Stamped with MAC 25. I believe Bobby's 1996 Gamer is also stamped the same way.The bat pictured has 33 mcgwire written on the knob which is not present on the Ebay bat... Most bats I've seen either A's or Cardinals bats have the 33 Mcgwire written on the...

What makes Bobby bat different from the on pictured and ebay is the Center ring labeling.. I'm guessing since it was a late batch order they went ahead and sent a 96 bat with a 1997-2001 Rawlings labeling...Bobby please correct me if I'm wrong I'm going off of my memory,So I'm not 100 percent sure... Post some PICS if you can...

I've never seen a Pine Tar Pattern like the one that's on the ebay bat... I'm trying to search the web for pics but no luck.I'll try and Post more info later if I can get more info


which auction did this come out of?? And how much did it sell for??

[Rboitano]

http://www.vintageauthentics.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=109309754&prmenbr=57735959&aunbr=109656464

I think that is about current market value, I paid $1100 for my signed 2000 with Cardinals LOA.

[mattmueller]

the weight was not on all of his bats. The weight written was more common with the cardinal years. the bat on ebay has the mac25 and the year and batch number. That is a positive. ill have to see when i have the bat in hand. Bobbys bat had everything except the written weight i believe.

I was under the distinct impression that a hand written name and weight on the knob is a hallmark of a McGwire gamer, A's years as well.

[MLB_Authentic]

The handwritten name and number on rawlings bats is done at the factory.

[STLHAMMER32]

Mlb authentic is correct they put the number and name on at the factory....I am not sure if it was on every single one but if memory serves me correct everyone that I knew hands down was authentic did in fact have them on it. In his Oakland days McGwire would often write things to identify his bats on the knob, but this was the exception it was not on every bat.....I have seen MAC, 25 also two-five on his oakland bats. If something is written on a Cardinal gamer you know it was added after McGwire had it or it's not an actual gamer.

[cjmedina1]

Theirs another 1996 Rawlings bat up for auction on eBay.. Bobby if you get a chance can you post pics of the knob markings on your bat,If not can you tell me whats the batch number on your bat.. Thanks in advance

Carlie Medina III
carliemedinaiii@sbcglobal.net

[panthrotc]

Theirs another 1996 Rawlings bat up for auction on eBay.. Bobby if you get a chance can you post pics of the knob markings on your bat,If not can you tell me whats the batch number on your bat.. Thanks in advance

Carlie Medina III
carliemedinaiii@sbcglobal.net


the bat on ebay WILL be coming home with me. I have won a nice amount of money on the NFL playoffs. And it will be a early birthday gift to myself. Knob looks legit.

[mattmueller]

Is it just me, or does that bat look like it has an "H" crack on just to the lower left of the Rawlings logo on this "uncracked" bat? Seller has not responded to questions on that or other things. Which I guess is fine, he has bids why bother answering questions.

However, that led me to look at seller's other feedback other items they are selling. While I am not an expert in the wide variety of high quality items other items they are offering, there seems to be several items that are currently carrying quite low bids for authentic items - autographs (Mantle ball for $125), game used items (an "awesom" ARod Game bat for $40), etc. Just odd to me.

[panthrotc]

Is it just me, or does that bat look like it has an "H" crack on just to the lower left of the Rawlings logo on this "uncracked" bat? Seller has not responded to questions on that or other things. Which I guess is fine, he has bids why bother answering questions.

However, that led me to look at seller's other feedback other items they are selling. While I am not an expert in the wide variety of high quality items other items they are offering, there seems to be several items that are currently carrying quite low bids for authentic items - autographs (Mantle ball for $125), game used items (an "awesom" ARod Game bat for $40), etc. Just odd to me.


i was thinking the same thing. But about a year and a half ago i declined to bid on a sweet 96 mcgwire bat, that Bobby , a member here ended up buying. The seller did not have negative feedback, but just just not alot of it. Anyway bobby got the bat and it was a a nice bat. So in this case, i will take the chance even though the seller has low feedback.

[mattmueller]

Its not so much the low feedback, its (and probably moreso) the plethora of other seemingly "odd" offered for sale at the same time by the same seller.

[cjmedina1]

the bat on ebay WILL be coming home with me. I have won a nice amount of money on the NFL playoffs. And it will be a early birthday gift to myself. Knob looks legit.

Panthrotc

If this bat is going home with you,Then you must be prepared to bid more than 1100.00 on it... I curious as to why a this bat is so high? Something seems to be fishy IMO

As for the know I want to see Bobby's bat as a reference and to see if its from the same batch,If so then the 33 mcgwire should be the same.... If your looking for a bat I might be able to help :D

Carlie Medina III
carliemedinaiii@sbcglobal.net

[cjmedina1]

Panthrotc

If this bat is going home with you,Then you must be prepared to bid more than 1100.00 on it... I curious as to why a this bat is so high? Something seems to be fishy IMO

As for the knob I want to see Bobby's bat as a reference and to see if its from the same batch,If so then the 33 mcgwire should be the same.... If your looking for a bat I might be able to help :D

Carlie Medina III
carliemedinaiii@sbcglobal.net

That should say knob

[mr.miracle]

Panthrotc

If this bat is going home with you,Then you must be prepared to bid more than 1100.00 on it... I curious as to why a this bat is so high? Something seems to be fishy IMO

As for the know I want to see Bobby's bat as a reference and to see if its from the same batch,If so then the 33 mcgwire should be the same.... If your looking for a bat I might be able to help :D

Carlie Medina III
carliemedinaiii@sbcglobal.net

Man, that thing went for big time money $1725.00??? That is generally territory reserved for the very best currrent Cards Mac bats. I had some measure of interest but not at that price.

[panthrotc]

Man, that thing went for big time money $1725.00??? That is generally territory reserved for the very best currrent Cards Mac bats. I had some measure of interest but not at that price.


bret, i totally agree with you, but i have wanted a signed 96 gamer for a while. i did one a few months ago, that has some nice use, but i was drawn to this bat strongly. it has a nice crack in the middle on the rawlings logo and very nice big and bold signature. i missed out on a 96 gamer last year that bobby on hear scooped up. and i have regretted it to this day. so i paid the ludicrous money simply because i had to have it. but i agree, wayy high, but hey, you only live once.

[whatupyos]

bret, i totally agree with you, but i have wanted a signed 96 gamer for a while. i did one a few months ago, that has some nice use, but i was drawn to this bat strongly. it has a nice crack in the middle on the rawlings logo and very nice big and bold signature. i missed out on a 96 gamer last year that bobby on hear scooped up. and i have regretted it to this day. so i paid the ludicrous money simply because i had to have it. but i agree, wayy high, but hey, you only live once.


Sweet pick up man. I wanted to bid but I wasn't comfortable with it. The pics were just too dark to see the tar patterns. I didn't want to risk it if it wasn't to my liking.

[panthrotc]

Sweet pick up man. I wanted to bid but I wasn't comfortable with it. The pics were just too dark to see the tar patterns. I didn't want to risk it if it wasn't to my liking.


ill post pics when i get the bat hand. i hope its what i think it is.

[mr.miracle]

ill post pics when i get the bat hand. i hope its what i think it is.


I had emailed the seller right after the auction went live and asked for additional clearer pics. Never got a response until the day before the auction ended saying that they would send more pics but they never arrived. I was just not comfortable enough without the extra pics, but hopefully it is what it is reported to be and you get a great bat.

[schubert1970]

Here is a possible photomatch. Just kidding.

[panthrotc]

Here is a possible photomatch. Just kidding.



http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/longball98/Random%20Pics/sting5.jpg

[rj_lucas]

Here is a possible photomatch. Just kidding.

Pretty ironic post, coming from a Sheffield guy.

Rick
rickjlucas@gmail.com

[panthrotc]

well everyone, i got the 96 bat in the mail today...and i must say with a very very very very happy face, the bat is EVERYTHING i hoped it would be. Here is the barrell detail - BEAT TO HELL :)

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/longball98/DSC04559.jpg

here are more pics - pine tar is very nice, nice big rack marks and numerous blue marks not to mention a nice crack in the Rawlings logo. Overall this 96 is as good as gets. Very Pleased!!

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/longball98/DSC04552.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/longball98/DSC04570.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/longball98/DSC04574.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/longball98/DSC04551.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/longball98/DSC04569.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/longball98/DSC04578.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/longball98/DSC04577.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/longball98/DSC04554.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/longball98/DSC04555.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/longball98/DSC04553.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/longball98/DSC04565.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/longball98/DSC04549.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/longball98/DSC04548.jpg

[mr.miracle]

well everyone, i got the 96 bat in the mail today...and i must say with a very very very very happy face, the bat is EVERYTHING i hoped it would be. Here is the barrell detail - BEAT TO HELL :)

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/longball98/DSC04559.jpg

here are more pics - pine tar is very nice, nice big rack marks and numerous blue marks not to mention a nice crack in the Rawlings logo. Overall this 96 is as good as gets. Very Pleased!!

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/longball98/DSC04552.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/longball98/DSC04570.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/longball98/DSC04574.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/longball98/DSC04551.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/longball98/DSC04569.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/longball98/DSC04578.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/longball98/DSC04577.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/longball98/DSC04554.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/longball98/DSC04555.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/longball98/DSC04553.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/longball98/DSC04565.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/longball98/DSC04549.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/longball98/DSC04548.jpg


Congrats on an incredible pickup. That is what I was missing from the pics. If the seller would have actually posted the back barrel in more detail as well as the whole bat displayed as one pic like I asked on the first day i might have gone a bit higher on the bids beyond $1k. I don't know if it would have gone for more than the final sale price. but it is an incredible bat. Great pickup and thanks for sharing the pics.