1985 Louisville Slugger Don Mattingly M110 - MVP SEASON

[bat_master]

Hi Everyone,

This is an update to my previous post that listed this 1985 Louisville Slugger Don Mattingly M110 game used bat as coming soon. It is still 'coming soon', but should be here tomorrow (September 10th) or Tuesday.

The bat is correctly unfinished and has his name foil stamped on the barrel which dates it to his MVP season of 1985. While I have not had the bat in hand to examine it I am fairly confident that it is an excellent example of a 1985 Mattingly gamer from his MVP season and will be priced accordingly.

For all SERIOUSLY interested persons I've set up a form on my website (email me at tim@hofbats.com for the address if you haven't been there) to request the information, photos, and price. I will accept requests for the information until Wednesday at 10 p.m. central time. All return emails will be sent out on Friday morning and the bat will be sold sometime after that.

PLEASE do not request information unless you are a serious buyer that understands that this is a serious piece of lumber.

[bat_master]

Re: 1985 Louisville Slugger Don Mattingly M110 - MVP SEASON

Just wanted to let everyone know that the Mattingly arrived today. I am absolutely thrilled with it and am looking forward to passing it on to another collector.

It is nothing short of spectacular and I feel very safe in saying that it is easily one the finest Don Mattingly gamers in existence.

Anyone who has not yet "registered" to receive the Mattingly info packet please do so by emailing me at tim@hofbats.com or by visiting my website and filling out the form. Serious inquiries only.

As mentioned, requests are accepted until 10 pm central time Wednesday evening. Information will be sent out on Friday morning.

If anyone has any questions, please feel free to email me at tim@hofbats.com.

[Vintagedeputy]

Re: 1985 Louisville Slugger Don Mattingly M110 - MVP SEASON

I couldnt even dream of being in the running for this but I'd love to see pics!

Jim

[bat_master]

Re: 1985 Louisville Slugger Don Mattingly M110 - MVP SEASON

Here is a full length photo of the 1985 LS Don Mattingly which just arrived yesterday.

Bat is for sale and information can be requested by sending an email to tim@hofbats.com or by visiting my website and filling out a short form. Please email me if you need the address.



This bat is absolutely fantastic and is easily in the list of the top-25 bats that I've ever handled.

Serious inquiries only.

[hblakewolf]

Re: 1985 Louisville Slugger Don Mattingly M110 - MVP SEASON

Tim-

Your posts indicate this is an amazing bat. Forgove me for asking, however, I'm not a Yankees or Mattingly bat collector. As such, what type of value do you or another forum reader place on this particular bat?

Thanks.
Howard Wolf
hblakewolf@patmedia.net

[Jags Fan Dan]

Re: 1985 Louisville Slugger Don Mattingly M110 - MVP SEASON

Tim-

Your posts indicate this is an amazing bat. Forgove me for asking, however, I'm not a Yankees or Mattingly bat collector. As such, what type of value do you or another forum reader place on this particular bat?

Thanks.
Howard Wolf
hblakewolf@patmedia.net

One Million Dollars!

[bat_master]

Re: 1985 Louisville Slugger Don Mattingly M110 - MVP SEASON

Tim-

Your posts indicate this is an amazing bat. Forgove me for asking, however, I'm not a Yankees or Mattingly bat collector. As such, what type of value do you or another forum reader place on this particular bat?

Thanks.
Howard Wolf
hblakewolf@patmedia.net

Howard,

Yankee collectors and bat collectors in general have shown an affinity for high quality bats of "Yankee Icons", especially those bats that date to significant years like an MVP season. As such, this bat will be priced accordingly, at least to start off with.

The price won't be released until Friday, when the emails are being sent out to those who have "registered" as prospective buyers. I'm not trying to treat this as "the best bat ever offered", but I do want to give each of those individuals that are truly interested a fair chance at owning it.

I want to make it very clear that I don't want to create hard feelings between collectors. If I offer the bat at a low or average price for a run-of-the-mill Mattingly bat I'll have a dozen people or more all looking to purchase it. Then what?

Because I'm not looking to play favorites or sell this by the "first come first serve" method as not everyone checks their email every day I'm setting a higher than normal initial price in order to judge who truly is willing to step up as a buyer.

To put it bluntly I'm trying to weed out the tire kickers who just want to see the bat and request pictures and price, but never return emails. I want the serious buyer looking for a great Mattingly gamer.

And no...the price isn't one million dollars. It is high though. Not obscenely high, but it is high.

[ChrisCavalier]

Re: 1985 Louisville Slugger Don Mattingly M110 - MVP SEASON

Tim-

Your posts indicate this is an amazing bat. Forgove me for asking, however, I'm not a Yankees or Mattingly bat collector. As such, what type of value do you or another forum reader place on this particular bat.

Hello Howard,

I compiled a database of public sale bat transactions from all major auction houses from 1999 to 2005 (this data went into the bat price guide on this site). The database I compiled had three bats that appear relevant to your question. In addition, we sold one other example in GUU's pilot auction in March of this year. The relevant data are as follows:

1) A 1984-85 autographed Don Mattingly gamer made of dark brown wood with a repaired crack and pine tar sold in a Lelands auction in December 2004 at a realized price (i.e., including the premium) of $1,623.

2) Another 1984-85 Autographed Don Mattingly gamer sold in a Lelands auction in May of 2003 at a realized price of $1,588.

3) A 1985-86 Autographed Don Mattingly gamer sold in Hunt Auctions in February 2004 at a realized price of $1,650

4) A 1985 Don Mattingly gamer sold in GUU's pilot auction in March for $1,633. Here is the link to that item:

http://www.gameuseduniverse.com/vb_forum/showthread.php?t=7395

I think those data points are fair representations of what that era Mattingly bat has sold for in major auctions.

Hope that helps.

Sincerely,
Chris