Mattingly fans...check this out...he's using a Dale Berra bat.

[Vintagedeputy]

[metsbats]

Nice find. Berra played with the Yankees 85-86 and the labeling of the bat matches that time frame (no surprise). Interesting enough Mattingly's rookie year was 82. The reason I'm stating that is typically players have the tendancy to use other players bats during their rookie year.

David

[ironmanfan]

I have a picture of Cal Ripken Jr. using a Bobby Bonilla bat from when they were teammates in the mid-1990's. It's really the only time that I've ever seen Cal using someone elses bat (other than for a photo shoot).

[rose14]

It's neat that Emmit Smith is also on the cover as the Gatorade National High School Player of the Year.

[JimCaravello]

He probably hit .236 with it..........

[Yankwood]

I wondered if anyone else noticed Vincent Van Gogh's ear wrapped around his thumb? I've never seen anything like that before.

[Vintagedeputy]

I remember when Donnie used to wear that thumb gaurd. I dont remember what it did though.

[blackbeard]

I remember when Donnie used to wear that thumb gaurd. I dont remember what it did though.

It made you feel no sting from the bat. I used one in high school.

[metsbats]

It's called "Direct Protect" which is a rubber mold which slips over the thumb and has a knob that fits against the hand between the thumb and forefinger. It's definitely used to ease the sting. It was invented by Phil Lo-Medico who invented it while getting stung and bruises on his hand while playing for the University of Miami. In additional to easing the sting the Lo-Medico and players how use it claims it helps batting technique because the device also ensures your grip on the bat will always be consistent. Other MLB players who have used Direct Protect were Rafael Palmiero, John Olerud, Fred McGriff, Lenny Dykstra, and Terry Pendleton.

David