Wade Boggs bat..steal or dud?

[33bird]

I'm not a Boggs expert at all but the bat looked good and it was only 200.00 so I pulled the trigger. B349. cupped. What do you guys think? And what time period does it fall under? Thanks!

[MSpecht]

Greg-- 1986 to 1989.......34 inch and 34.5 inch B349 models are documented in H& B records...
Mike

[BULBUS]

26 not in Boggs handwriting, but I dont think he always wrote his number on his bats.

[MSpecht]

Here is some valuable commentary and photos on Boggs' game use characteristics, couretsy of Andy Benish at VintageBats.com

http://www.vintagebats.com/featurepageWadeBoggs.htm

Mike jackitout7@aol.com (jackitout7@aol.com)

[emann]

I've always stayed clear of the '86-89 Boggs LVS bats for the reason that I assumed these were big years for team promos/Anaconda Kaye bats to be made. Am I correct in thinking that, Mike?

I think the number on the knob looks passable, could be Boggs. That straight edged "2" doesn't seem to be the norm until later on.

That said, I would have passed on this one. If you get it, curious to see pics of the hitting area.

[Mark17]

I've always stayed clear of the '86-89 Boggs LVS bats for the reason that I assumed these were big years for team promos/Anaconda Kaye bats to be made....

Vince Malta's book shows Boggs ordering 652 bats from 1986-1989. Not counting post-season, there were 648 regular-season games during that period. So, Boggs was ordering a bat a game, and considering he didn't break that many, slapping those opposite-field singles and doubles, that seems like alot.

Also, B349 is listed as a pro stock model for him.

[CampWest]

I didnt like the lack of tar near the center label.

[33bird]

Thanks guys. Think I'll have a much better idea when I have it in hand. Bat came from www.robbiesfirstbase.net (http://www.robbiesfirstbase.net) Former Al Bumbry is part owner of it I guess. Bat came from a former coach. Is suppose to have significant pinetar and use. I'll post again when it arrives.

[MSpecht]

Here's some info on Boggs promo bats between 1986-1989:

1986; Promo bats to BB Miscellaneous / BB Promotions were R43, R161, C235C, and K55--- (Boggs also ordered some of these models for his personal professional use as well)

1987: Same as above, most promos were R161 ...note that the Red Sox had an order for 120 model C235C bats (with specified weight)
which were likely for some promo giveaway or for distribution throughout the system (Boggs also ordered some of these models for his personal professional use as well)

1988: R43, C235, C235C, and K55 were models sent as promos, also some B349C bats as well...(Boggs also ordered some of these models for his personal professional use as well)

1989: pretty much same as above, except heavy orders of promo C235 and C235C to Anaconda-Kaye and Hamps coins & Stamps. (Boggs also ordered some of these models for his personal professional use as well)

Although not a hard-and-fast rule by any means, I personally would stick with 34.5 inch bats during this label period rather than 34 inch bats---- Although some promo bats were shipped at 34.5 inches, the majority were 34 inches, and although Boggs used some 34 inch gamers, the majority were 34.5 inches.

mike Jackitout7@aol.com

[33bird]

Thanks Mike. Always a big help.

[GameBats]

How many ounces does the bat weigh? The promos are typically much heavier than gamers.

[Krsoneus]

Interesting to see this topic I just bought a very similar bat myself but havent received it yet:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160460384978&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

Apparently it only has "very light use" though.
If I understand correctly, since mine has Red Sox on it that means it is either 91' or 92' according to :

http://vintagebats.com/feature_page-Wade%20Boggs.htm

"In the early 90's, Boggs almost exclusively used B349 Model Louisville Slugger bats as pictured below. He used these with the Red Sox and the Yankees, as well as with the Devil Rays. Louisville Slugger B349 Model red Sox bats are very tough to find, as he went to the Yankees in 1993 and the only Red Sox models with the team name on the barrel would be found in 1991 and 1992."

The hand writing on the knob looks alot like yours.

[33bird]

Honestly, I think I got a good Boggs bat. Good history, and matches up pretty well with other Boggs from that era. I'll know better tomorrow when I have it in hand and will post my thoughts.

[MSpecht]

Krsoneus---

Here is the deal on Boggs B349 (cupped end) Red Sox bats from 1991-1992:

Ordered by Boggs and shipped to him via Boston Red Sox: 209 bats, 34 and 34.5 inches in length...31 and 32 ounces in weight Flame Burned Finish

Promo / Show bats sent to Dave's Cards, Anaconda-Kaye, Jim Hawkins Promotions, Sportsservice Co., etc: 362 bats, 34 and 34.5 inches in length...no specified weight...Flame Burned Finish...

The similarity in the "26" on the knob seems pretty close, but is it reasonable (too close) for even the same person on bats that were manufactured potentially five years apart?? You'd have to check it very closely to determine ink flow, etc. You also will want to do a search on GUU forums for the ebay seller Dolphinboy...here are a couple posts to start off with:


http://www.gameuseduniverse.com/vb_forum/showthread.php?t=29372&highlight=dolphinboy (http://www.gameuseduniverse.com/vb_forum/showthread.php?t=29372&highlight=dolphinboy)

http://www.gameuseduniverse.com/vb_forum/showthread.php?t=34716&highlight=dolphinboy (http://www.gameuseduniverse.com/vb_forum/showthread.php?t=34716&highlight=dolphinboy)

Mike Jackitout7@aol.com

[emann]

You also will want to do a search on GUU forums for the ebay seller Dolphinboy...here are a couple posts to start off with:



The seller was a reason I didn't bid on that bat either. I've read too many negative things...

There are a number of Boggs collectors on the boards who watch ebay, so you'd need to assume a Boggs bat would bring more than $200 if it were indeed thought to be legit.

[33bird]

Got it today. It's 34 1/4 inches long. Cupped end so maybe that's why. 32 ounces. Real good dried up pine tar on handle and on upper area by the center brand. That didn't show up good in his picture but it's there. Some ball (some greenish blue) and seam marks, bat rack streaks, and cleat marks. I would say moderate use. For 200.00 I'm pretty happy with the bat. Thanks everybody.