http://cgi.ebay.com/Auth-Rookie-yr-Albert-Pujols-game-used-Auto-bat-w-COA_W0QQitemZ230333675330QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item230333675330&_trksid=p3286.c 0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2|65%3A10|39%3A1|240%3A1318

Though this bat is advertised as a rookie year bat, I have my doubts. Albert's records show no orders for uncupped C243 bats until 9/13/02. All of his C243 bats until then were cupped on the end. One of the letters supposedly shows the bat being broken, but Albert is wearing a 2002 jersey (the DK57 patch on his sleeve is the giveaway). And the auction was held after the 2002 season. Nothing on any of the letters says this is a 2001 bat.

The seller says the same bat was offered at a 2001 auction but didn't meet reserve and was offered again the next year. However, the only uncupped bats ordered by Pujols in 2001 were R205 models, and they were black. What's more, he specifically says it was used in game 41 during Albert's rookie season. Game #41 was played on May 19. Other than the black R205 bats (shipped 1/5/01), there are no other orders on Albert's records until 6/1/01. So, the story just doesn't add up.

The bat and the paperwork appear to be legit, but claiming that it's a rookie bat conflicts with evidence to the contrary.

I've shared this information with the seller.