Trying to authenticate a Willie Stargell bat...

[johnlorlando]

Sorry the photos didn't come out as clear as I'd like them ( I couldn't reduce the size).

The bat is definately 35 inches, and the barrel exactly matches the 1980-1983 period with the larger label and the "powerized" slanted down. You mentioned that Stargell had ordered U1's (34") 1982-1983, and 35" U1's in 1992 a decade after he retired. On the 1992 order, would the bats still have the label that was used for the 1982-83 orders ("powerized" slated down)? Or would the 1992 label be different? Also, how many did Stargell order in 1992, and what would be the purpose of him ordering the bats?

[MSpecht]

The labeling pictured (appears to be 'new large label' with the center oval
4 1/2 inches in width) is corect for 1980-83, and is pretty certain to be the manufacturing period of this bat. The liklihood of the bat being manufactured in the 1990's with that label is virtually nil. Given the absence of this order in Stargell's personal H & B records, it seems likely to be a team index bat of the 1980-83 period.

As to your other question, there are many reasons that players order bats after their playing careers are over. Most commonly, they are ordering them as coaches for use in warm-up activities, or for use as instructors during spring training, old timers games, etc. Others order them to give out to friends, or other similar activities. Hoyt Wilhelm, in particular, would order a bat made to the specifications of various former teammates and opponents that he apparently wanted to have in his personal collection. Anyway, the 1992 order for Stargell was dated 5/11/92 and consisted of three bats U1 / 35 in / 34 oz / Natural Finish. The order was invoiced to BB Miscellaneous. The labeling of that order would almost certainly be consistent with the labeling of the period.

Mike jackitout7@aol.com

[johnlorlando]

So the label pinpoints it to the 1980-83 area, and the 35" length (and absence of an "8" on the knob) would indicate a team index bat, as he was ordering 34 inch U1's at the time. The only usage evidence that I found on it that points to Stargell is the seam indentations on the side of the bat that lefties would hit with with the label up. Anyways, it looks like it had some light/moderate usage, probably in practice, since this is most likely a team index bat.

Is there any record of how many of this model was ordered for index bats? And what is the approximate value of this piece, in your opinion?

Thank you so much for your help on this.

[MSpecht]

Hi John--- we do not have the team order records available for the Pirates during that period, so do not have the team-ordered index bats totals. As far as value, in the Spring 2008 GUU Auction a 1982 GU Stargell went for approximately $ 600.00. Depending on the era, Stargell GU bats can be found around that price up to several hundred dollars more.

http://www.gameuseduniverse.com/auction/lot.php?id=724


This bat --- from the end of his career that is not found specifically in Stargell's personal H & B records --- would likely be valued significantly less than that.

Mike jackitout7@aol.com

[johnlorlando]

Is it possible that this bat was made during the 1979 season?

[MSpecht]

No, the labeling indicates manufacture no earlier than 1980, Here is a quick reference to Louisville Slugger label periods, courtesy of BirdBats website.

http://webpages.charter.net/birdbats...at%20ID/LS.htm

Mike jackitout7@aol.com