LVS bat model numbers

[DGRROSEN]

Is there a historical list available anywhere that compiles all of the model numbers for bats that LVS has ever produced? David

[MSpecht]

Hi DG --

I am not aware of such a list, citing all H & B model bats alphabetically and, within each letter, numerically. Tjhat would be a significant undertaking, however it would be interesting. For instance, if Bob Skinner was responsible for the manufacture of Model S226 (see recent post), which players were responsible for Models S1 through S225?

As you are probably aware, the letter in the model number of H & B bats refers to the last initial of the player who first ordered that bat. The numbers following the letter represent the number of players with that same last name initial who had ordered a bat of a certain specification from H & B.

In 1943, when H & B decided to catalogue the bats to avoid having to go into the vault each time a bat was requested, the company assigned the lathe turners as the persons to go into the vault room and randomly pull out player bats and assign each with a player model number. For instance, for years collectors assumed that Vern Stephens was the second player with a last name beginning with the letter S to order his own model bat, thus the Model S2. The process was not so orderly however. It was the luck of the draw that the lathe turners pulled Stephens' bat from the vault as the second of previously ordered bats and labeled it S2. Chuck Klein's bat was the 55th bat model to be pulled from the vault where the player's last name began with the letter K -- hence the model number K55.

Thereafter, if a player wanted a model that was not already catalogued, H & B assigned a new model number in sequential order.

Many players have ordered several new models to be manufactured during their careers. For instance, in reviewing the factory records of Pete Rose, it is obvious that he was responsible for the creation of the following models:
10/26/61 -- K55 handle w/ B193 barrel -- Model R143
6/24/74 -- S222 made larger in handle -- Model R189
7/26/74 -- -- Model R190
1975 -- R43 barrel then __ knob -- Model R194
8/22/75 -- From Adiron 69A -- Model R195
3/23/76 -- Model R203
8/16/79 -- From Adiron 129A -- Model R211

I agree that such a list as you propose would have historical interest, but again, it would be a significant undertaking that probably won't happen. More than a few of the letters of the alphabet have models numbered well into the 300's, and most others are into the 200's or 100's.

Good luck in future collecting.

Mike

[DGRROSEN]

Mike, thank you for the interesting response. It was very informative. It appears that such a list would include thousands of bat models. David