Rocco Baldelli 2003-2004 Rawlings Rookie Era Game Used Bat

[Auction robot]

The Tampa Bay star centerfielder has been likened to former stars such as Joe DiMaggio, and he even wears" The Yankee Clipper's" number 5 on his jersey. Baldelli has had solid seasons with the Rays and came very close to winning the Rookie of the Year award in the American League in 2003. Baldelli finished the 2003 season with an impressive line, batting .289 with 11 home runs, 78 runs batted in, 89 runs scored and 27 stolen bases. The Rays are hoping he will overcome his injury-ridden 2007 season and be part of their talented outfield for years to come.
This black Rawlings measures 34 ¼ inches in length and weighs approximately 31 ounces. Stampings on the knob include model number (433B) and batch code (625), however the year code common to Rawlings bats is missing. These stampings distinguish this Rawlings bat as a professional model bat. The labeling is consistent with Rawlings bats that would have been sent to Baldelli in 2003-2004. This bat deeply imbedded ball marks and hit marks on the barrel, The number 31.5 has been written on the knob in yellow marker, representing the weight of the bat. This bat is uncracked, and its deep black finish makes it perfect for display. This is an opportunity to get a rookie era bat from a young player who has all the potential in the world. A LOA from SCD Authentic (D. Bushing / T. Kinunen) grades this bat A7 with no negative player characteristics.View Lot Detail page

[pdogiswoah]

Re: Rocco Baldelli 2003-2004 Rawlings Rookie Era Game Used Bat

Can someone please explain why this doesnt have the year stamp on this? Is this common? I have an exact same bat as this and it does have the year stamp
mike

[JimCaravello]

Re: Rocco Baldelli 2003-2004 Rawlings Rookie Era Game Used Bat

Hi Mike - although rare, from the 1990's on, there have been a few examples of Rawlings bats that players used that were void of a year stamp. It is uncommon, but there are several examples in the hobby. Let me know how else I can help. Jim

[Birdbats]

Re: Rocco Baldelli 2003-2004 Rawlings Rookie Era Game Used Bat

I don't think the year stamp is missing, I think it's just not stamped deeply enough to be visible. If you look at the photo closely, you can see what appears to be part of a "0" after the batch number (near the bottom of the yellow "1"). I've seen several similar examples where the stamping isn't deep enough to be read completely. I've also seen many double stamped batch/year codes that are equally difficult to read.

[MSpecht]

Re: Rocco Baldelli 2003-2004 Rawlings Rookie Era Game Used Bat

Hi Jeff---Thanks for the observation.

While the photo may suggest a year code of 00 (2000), 01, 02, 03, or 04, the close visual inspection of the bat and the potential year code,is inconclusive. Production as early as 2000, with a batch code of 625 (suggesting manufacture after mid-season) is possible, as Baldelli, the first round pick of the Devil Rays in the 2000 amateur draft, signed a contract on June 19, 2000. The bat had been used and was in the hands of a collector by 6/17/04, which is the date of the LOA (D. Bushing / T. Kinunen), that comments "Has batch code but no year code," and dates the labeling period as 2003.

Mike Jackitout7@aol.com

[mjpritchett]

Re: Rocco Baldelli 2003-2004 Rawlings Rookie Era Game Used Bat

Also,
This bat was sold on American Memorabilia Auctions and was authenticated by SCD with a grade of A7. Can you explain why it now has a grade of A6? heres the link,
http://www.americanmemorabilia.com/Auction_Item.asp?auction_id=6203

[mjpritchett]

Re: Rocco Baldelli 2003-2004 Rawlings Rookie Era Game Used Bat

Nevermind, its not the same bat, sorry, very similar though

[camarokids]

Re: Rocco Baldelli 2003-2004 Rawlings Rookie Era Game Used Bat

Hi Jeff---Thanks for the observation.

While the photo may suggest a year code of 00 (2000), 01, 02, 03, or 04, the close visual inspection of the bat and the potential year code,is inconclusive. Production as early as 2000, with a batch code of 625 (suggesting manufacture after mid-season) is possible, as Baldelli, the first round pick of the Devil Rays in the 2000 amateur draft, signed a contract on June 19, 2000. The bat had been used and was in the hands of a collector by 6/17/04, which is the date of the LOA (D. Bushing / T. Kinunen), that comments "Has batch code but no year code," and dates the labeling period as 2003.

Mike Jackitout7@aol.com

If you look close enough next to the zero you can see what looks like a 3.

[MSpecht]

Re: Rocco Baldelli 2003-2004 Rawlings Rookie Era Game Used Bat

Hi MJ--

Actually, in review, this is the same bat that was auctioned as noted above approximately 3 years ago on 7/8/2004, and has now been consigned to this auction. The LOA is dated 6/17/04 and was apparently prepared for that auction. The correct grade of this bat is A7, which has been corrected in the item description. The LOA is shown below. Thanks for the info.

Mike jackitout7@aol.com