Jonny Gomes bat, authentic or not?

[LWMM]

You'd think that, having been a member of this forum for the past four years, I would able to be more self-reliant on a matter like this. In reality, however, it seems as if my knowledge is very selective; and so, while, I know enough about Jonny Gomes's usage characteristics to make me quite dubious that this bat was actually used by him, that happens to be the extent of my knowledge. With that said, is there some way to tell whether this bat is a likely gamer, or just a store model bat with a Gomes signature and two aftermarket '31's? Might be able to get a better picture of the brand if necessary.


http://www.historicauctions.com/images/listings/F538815D-3005-CE84-D9BA9FA8926FD6DF/DSC_2429.jpg

http://www.historicauctions.com/images/listings/F538815D-3005-CE84-D9BA9FA8926FD6DF/DSC_2430.jpg

http://www.historicauctions.com/images/listings/F538815D-3005-CE84-D9BA9FA8926FD6DF/DSC_2432.jpg

http://www.historicauctions.com/images/listings/F538815D-3005-CE84-D9BA9FA8926FD6DF/DSC_2433.jpg

[rdeversole]

All I know is that he's usually using bats with his name or signature stamped on them, even before he was #31

[joelsabi]

if he used it, it was from the minor leagues. gomes is from the tampa bay farm system from 2001-2003. But I noticed he used #60 when he first came up and then changed to 31 in 2005. He was brought down a few times but by that time he must be ordering bats with his name on it. So for me I doubt it unless you know Gomes used #31 in the minors in 2001-2003 and the bat labels match for that period.

[LWMM]

There's definitely a lot off in terms of characteristics---I've never seen the 31, which is rarely on both ends, written as it is, no mota (or even tar) etc.

The earliest Gomes wore #31 was in 2004, I believe, with the Bulls, although he also wore #29 that season. The signature is from about 2004-2005. I also have a 2002 SAM Bat with Gomes's name stamped on, so basically what's left open is Gomes grabbing some bat lying around in the dugout and giving it a whirl. I seriously doubt that (if he liked it enough to claim it, no doubt there would be mota etc.), but would also like to completely rule it out. To be clear, though, my best bet is that it's a store model bat that someone had him sign in late 2005 or 2006 when he was hot, and then threw a couple '31's on to make it look like a gamer.