Cracked v. Uncracked Bats

[BULBUS]

Re: Saying no to crack?

I agree with Jeff. I prefer a 'used till dead' bat. Especially from a player that played before the "game used" craze. Most players will tell you that they used their bats till they cracked and if it is uncracked it was stolen.

I know that players today will use a bat a few times and then sell it uncracked, but I still prefer one that is cracked and well used. That tells me the player really like the bat and took it to the plate as much as he could.

-Chris

[Birdbats]

Re: Saying no to crack?

There are many ways to look at this. For example, the Cardinals sell only cracked bats. If you want a Cardinals bat, then, do you buy a legit one that's cracked, or an uncracked one of unknown origin? I'll take the cracked one with the team LOA.

Many players use bats until they're no longer able to be used -- whether they're cracked or have deadwood. McGwire is a great example. If you come across a McGwire bat that can still be used, then Mac probably didn't use it. I'll take the cracked one.

Really, in just about any case, you have to ask yourself, "If this bat is still usable, why isn't the player using it?" Personally, I believe many uncracked bats in the hobby likely were acquired via dishonest means (stolen from clubhouses, etc.) or are issued bats with "staged" use (fake ball marks, tar, etc., applied after the fact). Sure, there are legit, uncracked bats out there... especially bats that belonged to players who didn't hit much (pitchers, bench guys, etc.). And even superstars have used, uncracked bats left over at the end of the season. But, by and large, I am suspicious of uncracked bats unless every use characteristic is spot-on perfect and/or the source is ideal -- the player, the team or a player's charity.

[skyking26]

Re: Saying no to crack?

I prefer uncracked for the same reason skyking26 stated, and it's just nice to be able to handle the bat without worrying about adding to the damage if you want to take a cut or two with it.

But there are times when a cracked bat just doesn't matter.

There are also times when professional repairs to a bat restores it to it's glory days, which can add to the joy of owning it if the bat holds some special history.

So in answer to your question.....there are many circumstances that can be considered when decided "cracks or no cracks". Just keep an open mind, and consider the significance of the bat you are going after.

I own Ted Williams 517th Home run bat. It was cracked in the subsequent at bat the game he hit his homerun with it. It has been professionally repaired. It's a thing of absolute beauty.

Would you not own it because it was:

A) cracked?
B) repaired?


I didn't think so.

We are on the same page. What a marvelous collection you must have! What the heck do you do for a living??

[suicide_squeeze]

Re: Saying no to crack?

I prefer uncracked for the same reason skyking26 stated, and it's just nice to be able to handle the bat without worrying about adding to the damage if you want to take a cut or two with it.

But there are times when a cracked bat just doesn't matter.

There are also times when professional repairs to a bat restores it to it's glory days, which can add to the joy of owning it if the bat holds some special history.

So in answer to your question.....there are many circumstances that can be considered when decided "cracks or no cracks". Just keep an open mind, and consider the significance of the bat you are going after.

I own Ted Williams 517th Home run bat. It was cracked in the subsequent at bat the game he hit his homerun with it. It has been professionally repaired. It's a thing of absolute beauty.

Would you not own it because it was:

A) cracked?
B) repaired?


I didn't think so.

[frikativ54]

Re: Saying no to crack?

And here I thought this thread was going to be about Josh Hamilton...

[skyking26]

Re: Saying no to crack?

For 30 years, I've been an UNcracked guy. Reason is simple. I want the bat to be able to be pulled off my rack and swung as if it were to be used right now. The only time I veer from this is if the bat is very rare and I do not perceive that I'll find another.

[whatupyos]

Re: Saying no to crack?

I don't care if a bat is cracked or uncracked. What I care about is if its repaired. I dont like repaired bats because, in my opinion, its altering what once was. Thats just my opinion.

[Masimen]

Re: Saying no to crack?

In my opinion this all comes down to personal preference. I am fine with a bat as long as it isn' broken in 2. Of course I prefer a nice solid uncracked bat that has good use, but if it is a player I am looking for and the use is good I don't mind a crack, and some cases I am after bats that are very rare and I can't afford to be picky.

[AWA85]

Saying no to crack?

Well I have been collecting game used items for about 3 years now and it all started with bats. I started out going after any Reds bat I could find. Then I switched over to players that spent 4 or more seasons with the team, and now I am back into prospects and just about anyone.

This all leads me to my next question and possible focus. Should I just say no to cracked bats? I know there are many of you that only buy uncracked ones, and I am asking why? I am thinking it will bring as little more focus and challenge to my collecting finding a bat that is solid and shows good use. Still a little undecided but may take the plunge and become one of those picky buyers.

Any pros and cons to this situation? I may be thinning out the heard and starting over with a good amount of my bats if I go through with this which is ok with me

[joecoco]

Re: Cracked vs not cracked

The best bat for me is one that shows an incredible amount of use, consistent with player's characteristics, and a tiny, hairline crack. In general I am a cracked-bat type of guy, but ones that are too severe can be annoying. Oh yes, and as a rule, a bat can not have enough pine tar on it for me - Joe Cocozzella

[Chris78]

Re: Cracked vs not cracked

I prefer a slightly cracked bat because it verifies game use. The worse the crack, the less I am interested in it, unless the bat is MLB authenticated. I also prefer a bat where you can read the player's name easier. If the use makes the player's name harder to read, then I feel the bat is worth less to me. This is something I have not seen anyone say yet.

Chris

[joelsabi]

Re: Cracked vs not cracked

i used to only buy uncracked bats but as of late i dont care. I am starting to like cracked bats and even broken in half bats. They all have character and every break is different. wether it was a small handle crack or a shattered bat or a bat split down the barrel i dont discriminate against any game used bat anymore.

anyone own or have a photo of a bo jackson bat that was shattered over his thigh? thats something i would like to see.

[zookerman182]

Re: Cracked vs not cracked

i used to only buy uncracked bats but as of late i dont care. I am starting to like cracked bats and even broken in half bats. They all have character and every break is different. wether it was a small handle crack or a shattered bat or a bat split down the barrel i dont discriminate against any game used bat anymore.

[jetersbatboy]

Re: Cracked vs not cracked

I just picked up a couple cracked bat and absolutely love them! I recently find myself buying more cracked bats then anything else. I guess I like knowing why a bat was no longer used. Just my opinion.

Brain I do agree with you I like lightly used bats for auto's, especially of HOF's

[brianborsch]

Re: Cracked vs not cracked

I personally like incracked, and am now delving into collecting game issued bats. Bats issued for game play but not used for whatever reason. I love the clean unused look.