1968 Detroit Tigers Game Used Bats

[bleathley]

I could use some help identifying the year issued and # of bats for some of my 1968 Tigers bats below. Any info or suggestions would be helpful.

Norm Cash - C205L (below) and C263 ,Bill Freehan M110 and M110L, Jim Price K55, Mickey Stanley 016, Willie Horton S2L and K75, Jon Warden R161, Gates Brown C242L, Dick McAuliffe H176.

I think some may be post career. Thanks.

Bob

[MSpecht]

Hi Bob---

To identify a specific H & B label period here is an easy guideline courtesy of forum member Jeff Scott at BirdBats.com http://webpages.charter.net/birdbats/Birdbats/Identifying%20Gamers.htm

Here is some info on some of the other bats you presented. The info is a bit general, not seeing pictures or measurements, finishes, etc.

Norm Cash C205L : From the photo the bat looks to be from the 1961-64 label period. Cash's records document the bat specifically to 1964. Between 3/6/64 and mid-May 1964 there are 7 documented orders of the C205L model for Cash, totaling approximately 49 bats (records are a bit blurred) in lengths of 34.5 inches and 35 inches.

Bill Freehan M110 and M110L : Freehan's first orders of these bats are documented in 3/6/64 (M110) and 3/27/64 (M110L). Both models were used extensively by Freehan between 1964 and into the next label period through 1966. The M110 bat was most likely used in 1964 (check if printing under the center oval).... if there is no printing under the oval it is specific to 8/27/1965. The majority of Freehan's bats from the 1965-68 period were M110L models (approximately 98 bats in 35 inch length).

Mickey Stanley O16: Model O16 was one of Stanley's most favored models. He first ordered it in mid-1964 and also used it in 1965 (35 inches) , 1967 34.5 inches), 1968 (34.5 and 35 inches), 1970 (35 inches), 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974 1975, 1976 1977, and 1978. Multiple orders of numerous O16 models throughout his career.

Willie Horton S2L: Horton's first orders of S2L are documented on 3/1/1968.He used the model through 8/15/69 then laid it down until 1973 when he used it exclusively through 1978 and into 1979, ordering well over 200 bats.

Willie Horton K75: First ordered by Horton on 9/2/1969, model K75 (including K75L, K75XL, and K75C) became his bat of choice through 4/21/71. After using a few different models, he used model K75 again in early 1972 (24 bats in 1972). A couple random orders in 1979 and 1980 completed his use of the model.

Good Luck... there are several serious Tigers collectors on this site.

Mike Jackitout7@aol.com

[bleathley]

Mike, Thanks for the great information. If possible, could I ask for more? The O16 Stanley bat below is a Dark Brown 2 tone and is 34.5 in. long. It also has the criss-cross tape remnants that I have seen on other Stanley bats. I asked Mickey if he remembered using a 2 tone and he couldn't recall. Does this info narrow the years and amount? The other Cash bat is a C263 and is also 34.5 inches long. Hopefully the pics below will help. Thanks again.
Bob

[MSpecht]

The only documented orders from M. Stanley in model O16 with a Walker Finish are from early 1972, when he made two orders of 12 bats per order (24 total). One order was dated 3/8/72 and the other a bit earlier (month not legible.)

The Norm Cash signature 34.5 inch C263 during the 1969-72 label period is documented in Natural Finish (1971), Flame Burned Finish ( 1972), and No Finish (1972). Note that on 3/17/1971 a "New H & B Model" was made to the to the specifications of Norm Cash who requested a Model A113 barrel and a Model A101 knob. That model was designated the C263.

Mike Jackitout7@aol.com

[bleathley]

Thanks again Mike. I think I'm getting the hang of the labeling and finish identification sites.

I have just 2 more if you don't mind. They're a couple more obscure 68 Tigers, I'm not sure if you'll have these records.

Both bats look like they're from the 1965-72 labeling period. The first is pinch hitter Gates Brown C242L 35 inches. The second (and last) is back up catcher Jim Price K55 34 1/2 inches. They both look like the flame treated finish.

Thanks again. Bob

[MSpecht]

Hi Bob--- unfortunately do not have either Gates Brown's records or Jim Price's records. Here is another resource for you however when you mentioned the labeling websites and 'finish' websites you have visited. You are aware of BirdBats for identifying gamers and labeling, as linked in post number 2 above.

In addition here is a blog which has the best info on commonly referenced finishes in H & B records:

http://www.gameuseduniverse.com/blog/post.php?topic=187

Good Luck.
Mike jackitout7@aol.com

[tigerdale]

Great looking bats Bob!!!

[bleathley]

Thanks Mike. The finish site I found was the same as your link. Really helpful. Thanks again for all your great information and advice. What a great forum for collectors like myself. I think I'll probably find a lot of kindred spirits here!

Bob

[bleathley]

And thanks to you tigerdale for the compliments. I've always collected the 68 Tigers memorabilia for the memories, and now that I have a source for info and know more about the bats I have, I'll really want to grow the collection!

Bob