Kent Hrbek bat ordering records

[staindsox]

I just picked up this Kent Hrbek bat. Can someone help me with dating it? Between the LS trademark, the fact the bat says "Louisville Slugger" below the player signature (without the trademark "R" appearing at the end), it should be narrowed down to a few years. Would this fall in the 1980-1982,83 range? Does anyone know when he would have ordered C271s during this period? I really appreciate all the help. Thanks in advance!

Chris
staindsox@hotmail.com

[MSpecht]

Hi Chris--

Unfortunately we do not have Hrbek's H & B factory records of that period. Game used Hrbek bats that have been identified previously on GUU include Models H258 (1986-1989 label period, and 1991-1994 label/career period) and Model C271 (1983-1985 label period.) Typical length is 34 1/2 inches, however other lengths may have been ordered as well.

To assist you with specifically dating the bat, measure the center oval label. If it measures approximately 4 1/2 inches (side-to-side) then it is the "Large New Label" and was used between 1980-1983. If the side-to-side measurement is approximately 3 7/8 inches, then it is generally called the "Small New label" and, in conjunction with the barrel label pictured above, was used between 1983 and 1985. Note that 1983 was the transitional year of the period.

Possibly a Twins collector out there has some additional Hrbek information.

Good Luck.

Mike Jackitout7@aol.com

[big10champ]

I have attatched photos of three of my Hrbek game used bats. The top is a C271 w/small new label 1983-85 centerband. The middle bat is also a C271 w/large label 1980-83 cenerband, you can clearly see the difference in centerband labeling. The bottom bat is a C243 w/small new label 1983-85 centerband. I also recently sold another C271 with small 83-85 centerband. I believe this was one of Hrbek's prefered bats during his career. I hope these photos help you out.

Brian

big10champ@msn.com

[big10champ]

My mistake the third bat in the picture (on the bottom) has labeling dating 1986-89. Thanks, Brian

[staindsox]

Thanks for all your help guys!

Chris