Johnny Bench bat know question???

[jetersbatboy]

Does anyone know how habitual of a habit, it was for Bench to number the knob of his gamers. Is a numbered knob a must have on a legit gamer or can one with out the hand written numbering be considered.

[gorilla777]

Does anyone know how habitual of a habit, it was for Bench to number the knob of his gamers. Is a numbered knob a must have on a legit gamer or can one with out the hand written numbering be considered.

It's a very common and important trait for Bench. It was many times on the barrel end too. The style of writing the 5 changed a bit from the early years, but most had the top line slanting up slightly.
Here are some excellent examples to go by:

http://www.psacard.com/batfacts/BatDetail.aspx?batfactitemid=1499

Thanks,

Ben

[jetersbatboy]

Thanks for the help Ben! The bat in question being offered has a hand written 5 on the barrel end, but nothing on the knob. The 5 on the barrel end is faded and hard to see clearly, but the slant is there. Have you ever seen only a barrel end numbering? Thanks

[gorilla777]

Thanks for the help Ben! The bat in question being offered has a hand written 5 on the barrel end, but nothing on the knob. The 5 on the barrel end is faded and hard to see clearly, but the slant is there. Have you ever seen only a barrel end numbering? Thanks

Okay, I think that helps, but I have not seen one like that directly. The lack of number on the knob, for a Bench bat specifically, does hurt a bit. Beyond that, you want to see if there are any other Bench bat characteristics, like pine tar the length of the handle, back barrel seam marks, red bat rack marks, etc and of course, any provenance?

Good luck,

Ben

[gorilla777]

Examples:

[gorilla777]

Couple more...