Frank Robinson Game Used Bat

[arizona99]

I have a Frank Robinson bat that I think is real from the 65-68 period. What should be stamped on the barrel. This one looks like R 1?1 I can't make out the middle number. His number is written on the handle in marker. Any help would be appreciated.

[Yankwood]

R161

[MSpecht]

Here's the info on F Robby's use of Model R161 between 1965 and 1968-

During those years, between 2/15/65 and 12/18/68, Robinson primarily ordered two models of H & B bats, R161 and R143, with the exception of two orders of P89 early in 1965 and two orders of B267 late in the 1968 season. Model R161 accounted for approximately 60% of the orders. Model R161 was manufactured for Robinson specifically to his specifications in August, 1965.

Model R161 from that period were, without exceotion, 35 inches in length. Weights ranged between 33 ounces and 40 ounces, with most being 35 ounces or greater. Most will be found with a Flame Treated Finish, knots in the wood, and weights marked in pencil on the knob, as requested by Robinson.

As a side note, Frank was responsible for the following H & B models:
June, 1959- R133 (S2 handle w/ M140 barrel)
April, 1960 - R138 (R133 w/ larger handle and smaller barrel)
July, 1960- R139 (R133 barrel w/ larger K55 handle)
March, 1962- R145 (P89 w/ larger handle)
August, 1965 - R161 (R143 handle w/ C235 barrel)
Sept, 1971 - R182 (H221 handle w/ R161 barrel)
Oct, 1972 - R182 (R161 w/ 1/16 " larger handle)

Good Luck.

Mike Jackitout7@aol.com

[MSpecht]

To correct an error in the above post, the model manufactured for frank Robinson in October, 1972 was R186

Mike

[arizona99]

Thank You for the info. I appreciate it.

Mike

[beni0016]

I have a Frank Robinson bat that I think is real from the 65-68 period. What should be stamped on the barrel. This one looks like R 1?1 I can't make out the middle number. His number is written on the handle in marker. Any help would be appreciated.

Hi,
Just a quickfoot note. I am not sure if I interpreted your post correctly or not but it sounds like the model number of your Frank Robby bat is on the barrel? If so, it could not be from the 65-68 era as H&B model numbers were found on the knob exclusively until 1976. If it has the H&B center labeling and model number on the barrel it would more likely be from the 77-79 era.

Regards,
Andy
www.vintagebats.com