Historical Bat Observations During HOF Visit

[ironmanfan]

I spent last weekend in Cooperstown at the HOF and noted a couple historical bats on display, whose background I never realized until now..

I never knew Mantle hit his 500th career HR using a Joe Pepitone model:

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k172/whhp72/1Mick_zps56d1b257.jpg

Regarding the Carlton Fisk famous 1975 Game 6 HR, I just always assumed Fisk was using his own model, but actually he was using a Rick Burleson model bat:

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k172/whhp72/1fisk1_zps9b8001ea.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k172/whhp72/1fisk_zpsfb60df90.jpg

I always knew that Bucky Dent had used a Mickey Rivers model bat to hit his infamous HR in 1978, but never knew about the above (was it "common knowledge?"). It was a great trip and was able to learn something new!

Bill

[joelsabi]

i enjoy hearing about teammates borrowing other peoples equipment and finding these unexpected facts. our assumptions sometimes get blindsided by reality. makes it kinda interesting if you ask me.

noticed that the Fist bat wasnt donated but on loan to the HOF too. Thats unusual too but who would refuse to display such a historic bat.

i did know that George Foster got a hold of that Fisk's HR baseball.

[Roady]

I almost went to Cooperstown for vacation this year. Now you make me wish I did.

And I still don't get the big deal about the Carlton Fisk bat. If the Sox had won the series it would have actually meant something.

[ironmanfan]

And I still don't get the big deal about the Carlton Fisk bat. If the Sox had won the series it would have actually meant something.

Didn't you realize that the Red Sox won the WS that year 3 games to 4?

;)

[sox83cubs84]

When Shirley and I were at Cooperstown in 1999, the HOF had on display the bat Tony Cloninger of the Braves used in 1966 to hit 2 grand slams in one game. The bat was a Denis Menke model. Moreover, while not mentioning the bat connection, Topps put out a multi-player card in their 1967 set titled "Atlanta Aces". The two players pictured? Menke and Cloninger.

Dave Miedema

[Roady]

Didn't you realize that the Red Sox won the WS that year 3 games to 4?

;)

LOL That is how they act! :D

[Roady]

When Shirley and I were at Cooperstown in 1999, the HOF had on display the bat Tony Cloninger of the Braves used in 1966 to hit 2 grand slams in one game. The bat was a Denis Menke model. Moreover, while not mentioning the bat connection, Topps put out a multi-player card in their 1967 set titled "Atlanta Aces". The two players pictured? Menke and Cloninger.

Dave Miedema

Cool