This is a 1977 Dave Kingman Louisville Slugger Professional Model Game Used Bat. This bat dates to the 1977 season based on Kingman's jersey number, 26, which is present on the knob of the bat; Kingman wore jersey #26 exclusively during the 1977 season during the 1977-79 Louisville Slugger centerbrand period with both the New York Mets and San Diego Padres, and not with the California Angels. Louisville Slugger factory records also support this dating as Kingman ordered the S2 in cupped and round barrel bat in 35.5" length exclusively during the 1977 season during the 1977-79 centerbrand period. This bat currently weighs 34.5 inches in length and measures 35.5 inches in length.
This bat exhibits moderate use with ball marks present along the front and top of the barrel. A few white bat rack marks and cleat marks are visible along the barrel. Kingman's jersey number, 26, is present in faded black marker on the knob of the bat.
Kingman played in the big leagues from 1971 through 1986, during those seasons he made it to the All-Star Game five times and was once named American League Comeback Player of the Year, in 1984. He accumulated 1,575 hits and 442 home runs during his career. Kingman played for a number of teams during his career, including the San Francisco Giants, the New York Mets, the San Diego Padres, the California Angels, the New York Yankees, the Chicago Cubs, and the Oakland Athletics.
This bat grades out at the MEARS A8 grade with five points for the base grade, two points for moderate use, one point for the documented uniform number on the knob, and no point deductions.
Collection of MEARS Staff.