George Brett 1992-1993 H & B Professional Model Autographed Game Used Bat

[Auction robot]

For two decades, George Brett was one of the best hitters in baseball, hitting .300 or better eleven times, and becoming the first player in history to win a batting title in each of three decades – 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Appearing in 11 consecutive All Star games, Brett will forever be remembered for the fabled "Pine Tar Incident" on July 24, 1983, started by an appeal of Brett's characteristic use of pine tar on his bats. Brett finished his career with three batting championships, a Most Valuable Player Award (1980), a World Championship (1985) and election into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999.

This model B351 bat was manufactured by H & B and appears in Brett's personal H & B records as having been shipped to him multiple times in 1992 and 1993. The bat measures 33.75 inches in length and weighs approximately 32 ounces. The bat has a slightly displaced wood crack approximately 12 inches from the knob, extending approximately 4 inches toward the center. Brett's famous characteristic application of pine tar begins at a heavily caked knob, extending 6 inches down the handle. Similar application is evidenced approximately 11.5 inches from the knob, and extends approximately 12 inches into the center label.

Additional evidence of game use include many ball marks and stitch marks on the right and back barrel, cleat marks, blue rack marks, and the impression from a weighted bat donut.

This bat has been signed by Brett on the sweet spot in black Sharpie. Clear and unhurried, the 2.5 inch signature reads "George Brett 1992."

This is a remarkable bat used by Kansas City Royals fans' favorite Hall of Fame player. You will not find a more characteristic example of a George Brett game used bat in the entire hobby. This bat is accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from
PSA/DNA (John Taube / Vince Malta).

[gameused]

WOW! Thats one of the best George Brett game used bat that I've seen up for auction in a while!

[MSpecht]

I absolutely agree. Here is a link to Andy Benish's outstanding feature on game used George Brett bats, where some of the nicest Brett gamers in the hobby are pictured. In comparison, this bat is right up there with the best.

http://www.vintagebats.com/feature_p...ge%20Brett.htm

Additionally, here is the pertinent information transcribed from Vince Malta's and John Taube's LOA dated 8/15/05 with PSA/DNA Certification Number B96967:

"Description: George Brett professional model bat shows evidence of tremendous use with a handle crack. Many ball marks and ball stitch marks are visible on the right and back barrel. Ball marks include blue ink transfers. Also visible on the bat are cleat marks, blue bat rack streaks, and an impression from a weighted batting donut. The upper and lower handle is caked with a heavy coat of pine tar. Brett's autograph and notation '1992' are written on the barrel in black marker.

Conclusion: Based on our examination of this george brett professional model batabd its player usecharacteristics, we believe this bat was game used by Brett during the referenced labeling period."

Finally, this specific bat was one of eight bats used to illustrate an article in the September, 2006 issue of Sports Market Research Magazine in which authenticator John Taube shared "insights on my (Taube's) own personal favorites when it comes to game used bats."

[bagbig]

What was the reserve price on this bat?

[bagbig]

Is this bat still available? If so, what is the asking price?