What do you look for when buying a game used bat?

[woodbat]

Re: What do you look for when buying a game used bat?

Hi,
Read all the posts with interest, very nice. To each his own, all valid comments. As a collector of only game used bats of the St Louis Cardinals, here is what I look for:
1. When did he play with St Louis? Does the bat match the time?
2. What was his StL uniform number(s)? Are they found on the barrel/knob?
Correct numbers are nice, but with all the bat exchanging, could be another
players number, also maybe there is no number. Look at the pine tar, ball marks, cleat marks, sometimes excessive pine tar is wrong, does the player bat right or left, when he bats is the label up or down. Do the ball marks match his batting habits? Is he a switch hitter?
3. Cracked, uncracked, broken in ?? pieces, missing pieces, etc? I personally l like a cracked bat, but donot like a missing piece or especially a chunk out the knob. I will have a bat repaired only if in pieces, exploded or cracked badly enough to cause possible injury in handling. With over 500 Cardinal bats in my collection, over 80% are cracked in varying degrees. All my needed repairs are done by Jeff Scott.
4. I guess a person could make a "fake" bat into a "gamer" by using or breaking it in some manner. But that person would have to be able to hit a major league ball traveling in excess of 80-85 MPH, several times to show correct ball contact and location of ball marks for that players bat. Pine tar application hand placement etc. To me it would be easier to take a lightly cracked and expertly repaired bat to show an "uncracked" bat.
5.Here is an example of a good cracked gamer. Mark Littell was a relief pitcher for KC 1973-77 wore #27 and #17. Moved to StL in 1978, wore 32 in 1978-79 and switched to #34 in 1980 to 1982. Since the bat is a H&B, has to be pre 1980, with the #32 on the knob, places it correctly to 1978-79 Cardinal gamer. Shows a lot of contact and is cracked. My type of bat..
6. Last but not least, if I need, or if you may need any Cardinal bat information, contact birdbats@charter.net.

Thanks
woodbat@bellsouth.net

[brianborsch]

Re: What do you look for when buying a game used bat?

Ok Tony,

Here is the bat I was referring to. It is a bat from my favorite player: Adrian Cardenas, who is a simple minor leaguer now, but I believe he will be a great player later.
The bat was obtained from him in early 2007 and when it was obtained it was auto'd by him as well. He told the seller that this was the first bat that he didn't crack that actually had his name on it in public circulation.
Tons of tar and ball marks, and really an overall dirty/worn bat. Looks like a perfect example of game used. Now whether or not it was used in an actual game, I am not sure, but it was at least used in spring training. I have pics of him from this season using this exact same model/color of LVS M9 bats, so I know this was his, plus the auto.

Brian B.

[Spiezio23]

Re: What do you look for when buying a game used bat?

I prefer cracked/broken bats. Although player issued or light use ones are fine, I like the character of a cracked bat. I don't even mind bats missing pieces of wood or completely broken in 2 or more pieces. I have one bat where the handle/knob is completely gone, it was never saved. The one thing I really don't care for in the slightest is repaired bats. To me it's altering the final state of when the player last had it. Besides, I've gotten many more comments from friends and such about the different cracks on bats than comments on oh, you've got johnny tambourine's uncracked bat, neat.

One of my all time favorite bats is one that was used and broken by Bucky Jacobsen, the handle is just shattered/splintered where the break is. I'll try to add a post with some pics later.

I do have a few that were either really cheap and I wanted a bat of the player or it was never disclosed that it was repaired and I found out after the fact.

In the end, the more cracked/broken it is, the better it is.. for me

-Jeremy

[3arod13]

Re: What do you look for when buying a game used bat?

Wow! I must say, I'm didn't realize how many game used bat collectors prefer cracked bats over uncracked bat. However, most of what you have said and why made me rethink my thoughts about cracked bats.

Thanks for the comments.

Regards, Tony

[3arod13]

Re: What do you look for when buying a game used bat?

I guess even if a bat shows tremendous use, and is cracked, you still can't assume it belonged to that player:

http://www.gameuseduniverse.com/vb_forum/showthread.php?p=49713#post49713

[Vintagedeputy]

Re: What do you look for when buying a game used bat?

When I started collecting, I wanted uncracked bats.

Soon, I realized that cracked bats pretty much ensured game use, or at least a dugout tirade involving a water cooler or a toilet!

Jim

[jonincleve]

Re: What do you look for when buying a game used bat?

does anyone have a LOA from lou lampson showing a bat with appropriate water cooler usage or offical jacobs field toilet marks?

i can see it now

1995 m110 albert 'joey' belle louisville slugger bat shows very light ball marks but appropriate toilet smash marks typical of disgruntled outfielder.

just having a little fun

take care
john

jonincleve@sbcglobal.net

[33bird]

Re: What do you look for when buying a game used bat?

You guys are nutty if you think cracked bats are the real deal and uncracked aren't. Here's the thing-especially nowadays-the players get a ton of bats. Everybody connected to the player (team workers, friends, etc.) know that game used bats are worth money. You just know these people are asking or just taking these bats and other game used items from the players whenever possible. I know if I worked for a team I'd be asking every player-can I have that or do you need that anymore? Players, for the most part, are a very superstitious lot, and they may stay with bat while hot, but on the flipside disregard (uncracked bats) because they don't seem to have any hits in them. Anyway, I just think there are a lot of good game used bats out there that aren't cracked. I'd much rather have a good used uncracked bat then one that has a nasty crack in it. I think most collectors prefer uncracked bats. I've had many potential buyers NOT want a bat at all if it has any cracks, but I've NEVER had one say, "Oh, it's got to be cracked-so I'll pass." I think the proof in the pudding is that most of the big time bat dealers-Ball Park Heroes, John Taube, etc. will fix most of their bats before selling them. They KNOW better than us what the majority of collectors are looking for. To each his own I know, but that's just my 2 cents. Plus, who doesn't like to swing their gamers once in a while without it falling apart?
Greg

[brianborsch]

Re: What do you look for when buying a game used bat?

I am with you Greg! If you do your research you will see that a lot of uncracked bats are legit. Players have friends whom they give bats to, and even sell their bats because they know people want them. People can fake cracks, if they can fake major league usage (good ball marks/deep seam marks, and appropriate pine tar).

[33bird]

Re: What do you look for when buying a game used bat?

Yea, I can kindof see both sides, but I wouldn't want a game used jersey with a big rip or tear in it. That's how I see a game used bat-flawed if broken. Used but flawed. Mears will even minus points if a bat is cracked or has a missing piece, etc. I don't think you have to SETTLE for cracked game used bats just because you're are surer of the use. I think if you do your homework on player's bat traits and know who you are buying from, then you can find very nice uncracked gamers. Again, just my 2 cents.
Greg