1997 Alex Rodriguez Game Used & Signed Bats (2)

[3arod13]

In addition to my 1996 Alex Rodriguez Game Used & Signed HR#15 bat that I posted, I thought I would share my other two arod bats. Both from 1997 with massive game use. Not like these so called (hardly used) gamers sold today. The picture of arod holding the bat, is one of these bats that I own. Not a stock picture of him holding a bat, but he is actually holding the bat shown.

AROD AUTHENTIC LETTER: I, Alex Rodriguez, hereby verify that this Model I13 uncracked Blonde 125 "Powerized" Louisville Slugger was game used by myself when I played for the Seattle Mariners during the 1997 season. This bat shows heavy game used and has a "Griffey" like tape job on it.

LOUISVILLE SLUGGER LETTER: Per your email dated April 19, 2005, you have requested information in regards to a Louisville Slugger 125 "Powerized" Blonde Baseball Bat Model I13 used by Alex Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners.
Mr. Rodriguez ordered the Model I13 bat during the 1996, 1997, 1998, and 2000 seasons while with the Seattle Mariners. The total number of bats ordered during this span was 1006 (88 Blonde Bats, 18 Black). Sincerely, Rich Redman, Hillerich & Brdsby Company, Louisville Slugger, Louisville, KY

3arod13

[3arod13]

Sorry, that's a total of 106 bats (not 1006)

[Rboitano]

The center labeling looks like a condensed 1998 to the present version, it does not appear to be a 97 center labeling.

[3arod13]

Where can I find more information about label centering?

[kingjammy24]

bat brand info:

http://www.vintagebats.com/bat_info_page.htm

http://www.boombats.com/sinfo.htm

rudy.

[3arod13]

Thanks for the info. I'll get this letter correct! Thanks! This is a great website! 3arod13

[hblakewolf]

Rudy-
As always, nice work.

What's interesting is that the Louisville letter indicates this model was ordered in 1998, also.

With the huge quantity of game used equipment Arod and Griffey were pumping out of the Mariners, is it really a surprise that he incorrectly identified this bat as being from 1997? As I noted earlier, Griffey had other Mariners using his bats during BP, allowing him to fill the pipeline for the huge demand of his bats. Arod followed, and it appears even he could not remember what year all of his crap (bats, hats, helmets, jerseys, pants, tights, warm-ups, shoes, spikes, underpants, shinguards) was used in!

Howard Wolf
hblakewolf@patmedia.net

[3arod13]

I'm glad I came across this website. It's great! It could have easily just been a typo. However, the bat is 100% authentic! Thanks for the info!

[3arod13]

He didn't authentic the bat until he was with the Texas Rangers and may not have focussed on the labeling, I guess. Not sure how that all works when items are authenticated after the fact. Again, great website and I'm learning alot. Many thanks! 3arod13

[Rboitano]

Those are some really nice bats!!! I am looking for a Arod bat from the Mariners years. Have more Arod bats? Ive enjoyed looking at the photos.