Gary Gaetti

[Birdbats]

I just acquired a Gaetti bat from the 80-83 label period. It's a S2 contract model, brown (hickory finish), 35" long and weighs about 32.4 ounces. Would love to know if this is from his rookie season. Can anyone pinpoint this bat to his factory records? Thanks!

[BMH]

Re: Gary Gaetti

He ordered an S2 35in/32oz Hornsby on 2/24/83 and the S2L with the same specs 3/29/83. He had ordered the S2 in 1982 but they were flame tempered. He didn't order the Hornsby finish any other time so it looks like it's from 1983.

I made his son a new model this year in ST, the G192.

[Birdbats]

Re: Gary Gaetti

Brian,

Thanks for the info! Interesting you mention Joe. A few years ago, when Joe was still in college, I was talking to him and Gary at Gary's parents' home. I had several of Gary's bats for him to sign. Both Gary and Joe were picking them up and swinging them in the foyer. Gary insisted the C235 had the best feel (that's what he used with the Cubs and Red Sox at the end of his career), but Joe liked the P72. Other models I have for Gary are the A99, S2 and T141. I have one of Joe's bats, a C243, from probably a couple seasons ago.

So, what's the G192 like? A slightly different version of the C243 or P72? Or has Joe gone in a whole new direction?

Did you ever turn any new models for Gary?

I appreciate the help and your contributions to the forum!

[BMH]

Re: Gary Gaetti

Jeff,

Joe went with a C243 handle on a S318 barrel. The bat actually feels really balanced and is already being used by other players.

I don't have SAP on this computer so I'll have to check the records when I get back to work on Gary.