I just returned from a road trip. The highlight was supposed to have been a visit to the Louisville Slugger Factory and Museum. The tour of the factory was interesting, and the museum was nice. I only wish I could have gotten into the vault and touched all of the bats. I had to content myself with peering through the glass.
The problem arose when I visited the Gift Shop. They had on display game model bats of Jeter, Ramirez and Thome along with a few others. The placard stated that each bat was an exact replica of the bat ordered by the player, except for weight. The Ramirez card also stated that it was the same style he used in the World Series. I believe the prices were around $165. I looked at these bats several times and hefted them. They were no different from what I had seen in pictures and on auctions. I can't say anything about weight, but if they are exact replicas, I can't believe weight would be much different. Instead of being exhilarated by the visit, I left feeling a bit sick.
I put up a short message on the old Forum which showed the X Bats site. It stated that you could purchase the exact bat used by your favorite player. I resolved never to buy an X Bat of a prominent player for obvious reasons.
The recent posting regarding the doctored Canseco bat is a good illustration of my concern. I hope to get Jeter, Ramirez and Thome at some point, but any time I see one I will wonder if it came from the gift shop rather than the player. Any thoughts?
The problem arose when I visited the Gift Shop. They had on display game model bats of Jeter, Ramirez and Thome along with a few others. The placard stated that each bat was an exact replica of the bat ordered by the player, except for weight. The Ramirez card also stated that it was the same style he used in the World Series. I believe the prices were around $165. I looked at these bats several times and hefted them. They were no different from what I had seen in pictures and on auctions. I can't say anything about weight, but if they are exact replicas, I can't believe weight would be much different. Instead of being exhilarated by the visit, I left feeling a bit sick.
I put up a short message on the old Forum which showed the X Bats site. It stated that you could purchase the exact bat used by your favorite player. I resolved never to buy an X Bat of a prominent player for obvious reasons.
The recent posting regarding the doctored Canseco bat is a good illustration of my concern. I hope to get Jeter, Ramirez and Thome at some point, but any time I see one I will wonder if it came from the gift shop rather than the player. Any thoughts?
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