1997 Alex Rodriguez Game Used & Signed Bats (2)

[3arod13]

In addition to my 1996 Alex Rodriguez Game Used & Signed HR#15 bat that I posted, I thought I would share my other two arod bats. Both from 1997 with massive game use. Not like these so called (hardly used) gamers sold today. The picture of arod holding the bat, is one of these bats that I own. Not a stock picture of him holding a bat, but he is actually holding the bat shown.

AROD AUTHENTIC LETTER: I, Alex Rodriguez, hereby verify that this Model I13 uncracked Blonde 125 "Powerized" Louisville Slugger was game used by myself when I played for the Seattle Mariners during the 1997 season. This bat shows heavy game used and has a "Griffey" like tape job on it.

LOUISVILLE SLUGGER LETTER: Per your email dated April 19, 2005, you have requested information in regards to a Louisville Slugger 125 "Powerized" Blonde Baseball Bat Model I13 used by Alex Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners.
Mr. Rodriguez ordered the Model I13 bat during the 1996, 1997, 1998, and 2000 seasons while with the Seattle Mariners. The total number of bats ordered during this span was 1006 (88 Blonde Bats, 18 Black). Sincerely, Rich Redman, Hillerich & Brdsby Company, Louisville Slugger, Louisville, KY

3arod13

[3arod13]

Re: 1997 Alex Rodriguez Game Used & Signed Bats (2)

Sorry, that's a total of 106 bats (not 1006)

[Rboitano]

Re: 1997 Alex Rodriguez Game Used & Signed Bats (2)

The center labeling looks like a condensed 1998 to the present version, it does not appear to be a 97 center labeling.

[3arod13]

Re: 1997 Alex Rodriguez Game Used & Signed Bats (2)

Where can I find more information about label centering?

[kingjammy24]

Re: 1997 Alex Rodriguez Game Used & Signed Bats (2)

bat brand info:

http://www.vintagebats.com/bat_info_page.htm

http://www.boombats.com/sinfo.htm

rudy.

[3arod13]

Re: 1997 Alex Rodriguez Game Used & Signed Bats (2)

Thanks for the info. I'll get this letter correct! Thanks! This is a great website! 3arod13

[hblakewolf]

Re: 1997 Alex Rodriguez Game Used & Signed Bats (2)

Rudy-
As always, nice work.

What's interesting is that the Louisville letter indicates this model was ordered in 1998, also.

With the huge quantity of game used equipment Arod and Griffey were pumping out of the Mariners, is it really a surprise that he incorrectly identified this bat as being from 1997? As I noted earlier, Griffey had other Mariners using his bats during BP, allowing him to fill the pipeline for the huge demand of his bats. Arod followed, and it appears even he could not remember what year all of his crap (bats, hats, helmets, jerseys, pants, tights, warm-ups, shoes, spikes, underpants, shinguards) was used in!

Howard Wolf
hblakewolf@patmedia.net

[3arod13]

Re: 1997 Alex Rodriguez Game Used & Signed Bats (2)

I'm glad I came across this website. It's great! It could have easily just been a typo. However, the bat is 100% authentic! Thanks for the info!

[3arod13]

Re: 1997 Alex Rodriguez Game Used & Signed Bats (2)

He didn't authentic the bat until he was with the Texas Rangers and may not have focussed on the labeling, I guess. Not sure how that all works when items are authenticated after the fact. Again, great website and I'm learning alot. Many thanks! 3arod13

[Rboitano]

Re: 1997 Alex Rodriguez Game Used & Signed Bats (2)

Those are some really nice bats!!! I am looking for a Arod bat from the Mariners years. Have more Arod bats? Ive enjoyed looking at the photos.

[Rboitano]

Re: 1997 Alex Rodriguez Game Used & Signed Bats (2)

Im shy of a Mariners bat, if anyone has one for sale please email me.
Rboitano@charter.net

[3arod13]

Re: 1997 Alex Rodriguez Game Used & Signed Bats (2)

Rudy, thanks for your help! I see you all over this place. You are definately a wealth of knowledge. I wish I found this website much sooner. The year was an error/typo in the letter and is being corrected. Many thanks for everyones help. The information and knowledge of people in this forum is unbelieveable. Wish everyone Happy Holidays! 3arod13

[3arod13]

Re: 1997 Alex Rodriguez Game Used & Signed Bats (2)

I want to thanks those who pointed out that my two arod bats were from 1998 vice 1997, as stated in the original ASI LOA. Arod not only corrected the error, but also added the inscription, "1998 Game Used 40/40 Season."

I truly enjoy this forum. Spend a lot of time just reading comments. Learning a lot.

Thanks and Happy New Years to all!