Louisville Slugger Specifics For 1996 Bats?

[3arod13]

All I need to know is:

Model number:

Color:

Length:

The date of the "event" in question would help too, that way I don't have to count bats made after the fact.

I can tell you if it's a black C271C it was 34in and 31 or 32oz. If it was a black C271 it was 34/31. He also used the I13 and M356 during 1996.

BMH,

Here is the info:

Model number: C271

Color: Black

Length: 34

Date: April 18, 1996 (hit his 1st Career Grand Slam)

[BMH]

Alright, like I said the information of when he hit it and the fact it's an autograph bat means it was either one of the 24 34/31 C271's sent to him in Spring Training or it's one of the 12 34/32 C271's sent to him in Spring Training of 1996.

If your looking for more information than that please tell me because I'm a little confused as to what your looking for.

[Rboitano]

Can you tell from the orders if it is for the smith finish or not? I have a 34 inch smith finish Arod from 95-97 labeling. I think Tony's bat is not the smith finish variety if that could pinpoint the order.

[BMH]

They are regular black finish. Arod didn't start using Smith finish until later.

[3arod13]

Can you tell from the orders if it is for the smith finish or not? I have a 34 inch smith finish Arod from 95-97 labeling. I think Tony's bat is not the smith finish variety if that could pinpoint the order.

Sorry if this is a dumb question, what is and how can you tell if a bat has a smith finish?

[BMH]

Not dumb, with today's players and the terminology used it's easy to get confused. Smith finish is what most players call "double dipped". Our Smith finish is a grain filling process. If you can see the grain clearly from the handle to the end of the barrel then it's not a Smith finish bat. If you can't see the grain in the barrel then it is a Smith finish bat.

Arod's first order for Smith finish was in December of 1996.

[3arod13]

Not dumb, with today's players and the terminology used it's easy to get confused. Smith finish is what most players call "double dipped". Our Smith finish is a grain filling process. If you can see the grain clearly from the handle to the end of the barrel then it's not a Smith finish bat. If you can't see the grain in the barrel then it is a Smith finish bat.

Arod's first order for Smith finish was in December of 1996.

BMH,

Thanks!!

I now have to get the bat weighed, so I can determine if this bat is
either:

* one of the 24 34/31 C271's sent to him in Spring Training, or
* one of the 12 34/32 C271's sent to him in Spring Training of 1996.

With this bat being Arod's 1st Career Grand Slam Bat, and him being only 3 Grand Slams away from breaking the all time Grand Slam Record, which is currently owned and held by Lou Gehrig since 1938, I want to document this bat as much as possible.

Again, many thanks for time and help.

[3arod13]

Alright, like I said the information of when he hit it and the fact it's an autograph bat means it was either one of the 24 34/31 C271's sent to him in Spring Training or it's one of the 12 34/32 C271's sent to him in Spring Training of 1996.

If your looking for more information than that please tell me because I'm a little confused as to what your looking for.

BMH,

If a bat weighed 32 ounces out of the factory when it was made. And then was used by the player. Would it make sense when weighing the bat later, it could weight 32 3/4 ounces, considering it was used by the player (pine tar, etc.)?

[BMH]

If it weighs 32.75 I will say it is most likely from the 3/29/96 order of 12 bats that weighed 32oz. Bat weight can fluctuate over time due to temp and humidity. Like you said, if it has pine tar on it then it did add some weight.

I can't rule the bat out from being one of the 24 from January or February but when a bat does change weight it usually loses weight and does not gain unless its kept in a damp area.

[allstarsplus]

Tony, I found this picture in an old post and thought it may help for Brian to see a picture of the bat.

Also, Tony how did you weigh the bat?