1996 Alex Rodriguez Game Used & Signed HR #15 Bat

[3arod13]

I’m curious to know if anyone has seen an earlier documented Alex Rodriguez Game Used & Signed Home Run (#15) Bat than this one. This bat has solid documentation from Alex Rodriguez (AROD Authentic), SCD Authentic, PSA/DNA, and also a letter from the Rawlings/Adirondack company verifying that this model bat (460B) was made for Alex Rodriguez in 1996, with only 12 being made.

Rawlings Letter: Per your email dated April 21, 2006, you have inquired about the following Rawlings/Adirondack Model 460B, Alex Rodriguez game model bat. Per our records, 12 bats of this style were made for Mr. Rodriguez during the 1996 season. Bill Steele, Professional Bat Operations Specialist

PSA/DNA Letter: Alex Rodriguez 1996 Rawlings Signed Home Run #15 Bat. Offered is what we believe to be the earliest documented Alex Rodriguez home run bat. This bat was used by Rodriguez to hit his 15th home run of the season (20th of his career) in 1996, his first full season in the Majors. The black Rawlings 34-1/2 oz. bat is composed of top grade white ash and features the name “Alex Rodriguez” stamped on the barrel in white black letters. The model number (460B), as well as the batch code (149) and year code (96) are stamped on the knob. All of the manufacturer’s stampings remain distinct and well defined. Rodriguez has inscribed the bat in sliver Sharpie (“10”) on the sweet spot of the barrel, “Alex Rodriguez – HR#15 – 1996.” The bat is uncracked and displays heavy game use throughout including a number of deep ball marks on the barrel and pine tar on the handle. The bat is accompanied by an LOA (signed by Rodriguez) from Arod Authenticated which reads, “I, Alex Rodriguez, hereby verify that this 460 Black Rawlings was the bat that I used on June 25, 1996 when I hit my 15th home run of the season, which was my 20th career home run. This home run was hit against the Toronto blue Jays off of Erik Hanson.” Prior to its consignment, this bat was submitted to SCD Authentic and received a grade of A10. A corresponding hologram sticker appears on the end of the barrel. Additional LOA’s from Dan Knoll & Dave Bushing/SCD Authentic, and James Spence & Steve Grad/PSADNA.

Arod Authentic Letter: “I, Alex Rodriguez, hereby verify that this 460 Black Rawlings was the bat that I used on June 25, 1996 when I hit my 15th home run of the season, which was my 20th career home run. This home run was hit against the Toronto blue Jays off of Erik Hanson.”

Baseball Almanac: Click on this link to see the box score for this game between the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jay on 25 June 1996. The box score is an accurate record of events for the baseball contest played on June 25, 1996 at Skydome, and reflects Alex Rodriguez hitting his #15th Home Run of the season off of Erik Hanson in the 5th inning, with 2 on and 0 out.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-...d=199606250TOR

E–Hitchcock (1). DP–Seattle 1, Toronto 1. 2B–Seattle Amaral (6,off Hanson); Strange (3,off Risley), Toronto Delgado (16,off Hitchcock). HR–Seattle Rodriguez (15,5th inning off Hanson 2 on, 0 out), Toronto T Perez (1,2nd inning off Hitchcock 2 on, 2 out); Brumfield (7,9th inning off Charlton 1 on, 1 out). SH–R Perez (2,off Hitchcock). HBP–O'Brien (12,by Hitchcock). WP–Hanson 2 (5). HBP–Hitchcock (4,O'Brien). U–Dale Scott, Al Clark, (none), Brian O'Nora. T–2:50. A–31,420.

Email: arod13tb@yahoo.com