The labeling pictured (appears to be 'new large label' with the center oval
4 1/2 inches in width) is corect for 1980-83, and is pretty certain to be the manufacturing period of this bat. The liklihood of the bat being manufactured in the 1990's with that label is virtually nil. Given the absence of this order in Stargell's personal H & B records, it seems likely to be a team index bat of the 1980-83 period.

As to your other question, there are many reasons that players order bats after their playing careers are over. Most commonly, they are ordering them as coaches for use in warm-up activities, or for use as instructors during spring training, old timers games, etc. Others order them to give out to friends, or other similar activities. Hoyt Wilhelm, in particular, would order a bat made to the specifications of various former teammates and opponents that he apparently wanted to have in his personal collection. Anyway, the 1992 order for Stargell was dated 5/11/92 and consisted of three bats U1 / 35 in / 34 oz / Natural Finish. The order was invoiced to BB Miscellaneous. The labeling of that order would almost certainly be consistent with the labeling of the period.

Mike jackitout7@aol.com