show us your 01 Pujols rookie bats

[rj_lucas]

Re: show us your 01 Pujols rookie bats

Well, since it appears I've been called out , I purchased my bat in the October 2001 Tony LaRussa Animal Rescue Foundation charity auction.

It is the only vintage signed and dated Pujols rookie bat known to exist. According to ARF, it was the first bat given by Albert Pujols to Tony LaRussa.

Little known fact, I was one of only two bidders on the bat. The other gentleman bid the minimum; I won it one bid above the minimum. Per the attached receipt, grand total including shipping was $1110. Another little known fact, I paid for the bat on my wife's credit card so technically she owns it

According to H&B shipping records, 15 bats matching this specification were shipped to Albert between 8/22 and 9/5. Four additional bats were delivered 10/8 for the post-season, but Barry Clark of ARF stated this bat was given to Tony immediately following the last game of the regular season.

Albert had several key hits during the final games of the 2001 season:

9/18; set Cards rookie record for RBIs and doubles
9/19; set National League rookie RBI record
9/21; first career grand slam
9/22; final game of 48-game consecutive on-base streak
10/7 (last reg. season game); tied Cards record for most hits by a rookie

Needless to say, if anyone has any of those games on tape...

Rick
rickjlucas@gmail.com

[sox83cubs84]

Re: show us your 01 Pujols rookie bats

I'm looking forward to a 2012 gamer of Albert...when he's wearing a CUBS uniform!!

Dave Miedema

[5toolplayer]

Re: show us your 01 Pujols rookie bats

I wish I had a 2001 Pujols gamer to show off

[xpress34]

Re: show us your 01 Pujols rookie bats

Not a bat, but I have these two Albert 'Rookie' pieces:

GU/AU 2001 Cardinals Cap:



and - although NOT GU, probably about as rare as they come - a ROY inscribed Ball that Albert did for me when he came to Nike in early 2002. I know there are the 'new' ROY balls done by Steiner, but I have as yet to see another 'vintage' Pujols AU and ROY inscribed ball. I have only seen his 'vintage' AU w/ ROY inscription on GU Bats, Hats, Cleats, Jerseys and undershirts.



All the best -

Smitty

[onlyalbert]

Calling them out. Lets see what ya got! Be forewarned, Rick, Bert, and Dan will show some nice ones! Thanks.