bench bat

[momen55]

typical story with bats or anything for that matter.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130278077563 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130278077563&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:US:1123).
this is what the seller said in regards to me telling him the bat is a retail model:
"Dear momen55,

My uncle was a consultant for a local TV station in Tampa Bay. The bat was given to him by someone in the sports department. It was used and cracked in St. Petersburg, FL in the spring of either 73 or 74.


- skiformance"

i guess in his eyes it is a gamer.

[AWA85]

Momen, I am still learning about older bats. What makes this easy to tell it is a retail bat, besides the lack of bidding on a Bench bat haha?

Thanks in advance.

[MSpecht]

On this bat, manufactured by H & B, the use of the players initials with a number consistent with the length of the bat is indicative of a bat made for retail sale---in this case, the coding JB3 that appears on the knob. ---There are many other give-aways here, but that is the most basic.

For the most complete info about identifying game used H & B bats, pick up a copy of Vince Malta's 2008 book (can be found on GUU home page.)-- Many bat-oriented websites, including Birdbats, Vintagebats, and others, have very informative sections about the identification of professional model bats. Use of the search feature on GUU forums will also turn up alot of information.


Good Luck and Happy New Year
Mike Jackitout7@aol.com