Pujols Bat-grey Flannel Offering-thoughts?

[hblakewolf]

Thoughts on this current offering on the Grey Flannel for sale section:

3358) 2002-03 Albert Pujols St. Louis Cardinals Game-Used & Auto’d Bat (PSA/DNA)

This LVS model C243 bat is uncracked and shows evidence of outstanding game-use. Many ball and ball stitch marks are visible on the front and left barrels. There is a light coat of pine tar on the upper handle. Player number “5” appears on both the knob and barrel ends in black marker. There is a signature on the front barrel done in black marker rating a 7. Accompanied by a LOA from PSA/DNA and backed by our JSA guarantee.

PRICE </STRONG>1,500.00 Available
Howard Wolf
hblakewolf@comcast.net

[cjmedina1]

Thoughts on a 1992 ALCS

Howard perhaps Jeff with Birdbats can comment?

Carlie Medina III
carliemedinaiii@sbcglobl.net

[Birdbats]

Looks good based on the few photos posted. I'd like to see the knob, though. I'm guessing the bat was dated based on the weight, because Albert ordered this model as early as 2001. The rookie bats were 31.5 ounces; later bats usually were 32. If this is a signed GU rookie bat, $1,500 was a steal. Even if it's a legit 2002-03 bat, it's still a good price -- assuming the knob checks out and the ball marks are in the right place.

[CollectGU]

More photos

[bigtruck260]

Someone just picked up an awesome Pujols gamer.
I am jealous.

When I saw this at GF, I thought I was hallucinating. Unfortunately, it was already pending sale.

Nice pick-up.

[Birdbats]

The knob certainly is different than any I've seen. Never have seen the weight written so large ABOVE the 5. Here are two known examples of rookie bat knobs (both C243C maple):



Doesn't mean the bat is any more or less legit... just noting that it's different from others that Albert used (and supposedly labeled himself).

[bigtruck260]

Jeff - T

That brings up a question I have had and never thought to ask you...

Albert does his numbering himself?

How many guys do that vs. the clubhouse staff? I would imagine that the handwriting style on knobs goes a long way in identifying a legit bat. On Albert's bats specifically, it seems that he has been consistent with numbering. I know for certain that I have never seen a BLUE #5 on a knob that was on a semi-legit bat..., but what about the trace over the pencil markings on the weight/length - I am assuming that is a problem.

With the advent of Marucci, I am guessing it is going to be less of an issue since they stamp all of this info at Jack's facility.

I guess the other question...

Who has access to Albert's bats in the clubhouse? Does he count them?
Since it is pretty apparent that he rarely gives them up, I am interested in knowing who handles his shipment, and how many hands touch his lumber before,during and after they are done being used.

[shoremen44]

I'll let you guys know what the bat is like when I get it

[bigtruck260]

I had this funny feeling Bert....

[Birdbats]

Dave,

I can't answer most of your questions with any first-hand knowledge, but it's my understanding that Albert writes notations on his knobs and he's really the only guy who handles his bats. Don't know about inventory control, but there's no doubt that he keeps a close watch on his lumber.