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imlemonysnicket
03-03-2006, 08:06 AM
Hi

I have this Pete Rose bat and was wondering if someone might help me determine what exactly it is. I've attached pictures to give a better description than my words. The bat is an S2 from the 1977-1979 lableing period. It measures 34.5 inches long. The S2 is at the end of the barrel but has a registered trademeark R next to it - what does this mean? the number 14 is written on the knob and it looks like something else might have been written there and then rubbed/worn off. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

JimCaravello
03-03-2006, 08:34 PM
Hi Brett - first off, to let you know, Rose did not order any S2 model bats during the 1977 - 1979 Louisville labeling period. Coud this bat be a legitimate Rose gamer?? Maybe - but its not a documented bat that he ordered. It could be a team indexed bat, or ordered by another player, or a college bat - it does have the look of a professional model bat.

Regarding your question about the Registered Symbol next to the model number S2 - that is very standard and all S2 bats from this period ( when the model number was stamped into the barrel ) and into the 80's and 90's have the Registered Symbol next to S2. It most likely had to do with the patent / registration of the S2 model.

Lastly, it is common for bats that have exposed grain on the knob such as this example, for the marker to run over time into the grain from the number written on the knob. It is hard to tell if something else was ever there, although I have seen and I also have a couple of bats in my collection that are legitimate gamers where the marker has run into the grain such as this bat.

If I can be of any further help, please let me know....tell your dad hello! Jim Caravello

imlemonysnicket
03-04-2006, 07:49 AM
Thanks - I appreciate the information!!

MSpecht
03-04-2006, 05:48 PM
Hi--

Here is a previious response to Rose S2 question to add to Jim's response:

Pete Rose H & B Model S2 Bats

November 13 2005, 2:36 PM
Hi --

Here is some more specific info on Pete Rose Model S2 bats from the H & B factory records. Pete's first order of Model S2 bats was shipped on 2/17/64 and measured 34 inches in length and 31 ounces(9 bats). Throughout the remainder of the 1961-1964 labeling period he made orders of S2 bats in the following dimensions: 35 inches/33 ounces (30 bats) and 36 inches/33 ounces (12 bats).

During the 1965-1968 H & B labeling period, Model S2 was Rose's bat of choice.Throughout that period he made one order of S2 bats measuring 34.5 inches/33 ounces (6 bats). He also ordered S2 bats that were 35 inches in length in weights of 33 ounces (12 bats) and 34.5 ounces (6 bats).The vast majority of his S2 bats during this labeling period were 36 inches in length, and weighed between 32 and 36 ounces (429 bats), with 33 ounces and 34 ounces being the most common weight.

During the 1969-1972 H & B labeling period, Rose only ordered Model S2 bats during the early part of the labeling period. All S2 orders during this labeling period were 36 inches in length and weighed between 33 ounces and 34 ounces (121 bats). His last order of this model during this labeling period is dated 8/18/70 (All-Star bats). His last regular order is dated 3/23/70. At that point Pete switched to primarily Model S222 bats until 1975, at which time Rose began ordering a range of different models.

There is no documented evidence in H & B factory records that Rose ordered any Model S2 bats for game use between 8/18/70 and the end of his playing career in 1986. Note, however, that many Pete Rose Model S2 bats were ordered for promotional reasons from 1986 through 1997. These orders were sent to "Baseball Promotions," "Baseball Miscellaneous," Mead Chasky Sports, Pete Rose Promotions, Ison Sports Marketing, B & G Promotions, and others. These bats, from the 1986-89, 1990, and 1991-97 labeling periods were sent in lengths of 34 inches and 34.5 inches most of the time, a length shorter than the majority of Rose's game used bats.

The rule of thumb in Rose Model S2 game used bats is to find one manufactured during the 1961-64, 1965-68, or 1969-72 labeling period measuring either 35 or 36 inches in length. There has always been controversy and disagreement between collectors about Rose's use of S2 bats during the 1973-75 and 1977-79 labeling periods. His use of that model during the 1970's is not supported by factory records, however was reported as having been witnessed by reputable members of the collecting community.

Good Luck in future collecting.

Mike