Eddie Murray bat on eBay? [Archive]

scottanservitz

12-27-2007, 10:11 AM

I found a game used bat on eBay. Everything on the bat looks legit. My question is that it is an M272 that is 36 inches long. The seller doesn't know the weight but guesses it to be 33 ounces. The problem is the bat is not an 86-89 which is when Murray would have ordered the bat. The seller says it was purchased around 83 in an auction. My Bats book has him only ordering this model from 86-89. What gives? The autograph looks good. I can't tell if it is flame treated as Murray's records indicate. I don't know. what do you guys think?

Scott

ps I emailed the seller about the length and the (R) after the Louiville Slugger on the barrell. He replied promptly.

MSpecht

12-27-2007, 01:38 PM

Hi Scott--

A review of Murray's H & B shipping records from 1973 forward documents the first orders of M272 (35.5 inch) shipped on 1/10/86 to BB Promotions (with specified weight presumed to be for Murray's professional use.) The first order of 36 inch M272 bats is documented on 2/ 17/86. , followed by orders of 36 inch M272 4/18, 4/25, and 5/22. Numerous orders of 35.5 inch M272 bats are documented throughout the 1986-1989 period until July, 1989, when he basically switched to M275 as his model of choice. Forum member BMH may have the production documentation on model M272 to determine when that model was first designed/produced.

Basically, in this instance, the first thing you need to consider is how fluid the labeling period may have been in late 1985 into early 1986 (i.e. when did the registered trademark first appear on the barrel label ? On 1/1/86 ? In March/April 1986 ? was there a period of overlap? ) If the seller is correct about the 1983 acquisition date, the above question does not matter, but if he is less specific and knows only that it was at an Orioles charity auction, then it could have been acquired as late as 1986 or even 1988.

Focus on the individual player characteristics, including length, weight (34 to 35 ounces,) pine tar pattern, the writing on the knob, and, in this case, Murray's signature. Of particular note in evaluating this bat also is the fact that there is no documentation that 36 inch M272 Murray signature model bats were shipped to any promotional entities.

In the best case scenario, this is a bat produced in early 1986 prior to the labeling change that would become identified as the 1986-89 labeling period, with use and characteristics identified with Eddie Murray. In the worst case scenario, it is a professional model bat, not documented in Murray's shipping records, that has use and personal characteristics associated with Eddie Murray.

Good Luck in future collecting.

Mike jackitout7@aol.com