I went to the San Jose Giants (AA) home opener this past Thursday. All of the game used bats in the team store were 50% off. Most of them are cracked, but I found an uncracked and autographed bat used by 2007 #1 draft pick Wendell Fairley from last years' championship season (The SJ Giants were Cal League champs). Fairley is still with the team. The bat cost $16 and some change. Is that a good deal or what? To top it off, I caught a foul ball in the air in the bottom of the ninth.

I would like to remove the tape from the middle of the bat so that the Louisville Slugger logo can be seen, and remove the pine tar as well. Would this detract from the value at all? If not, does anyone know any good cleaner to remove pine tar?

Thanks!