This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/5/2015
By 1985, Mike Schmidt had established himself as one of the games most featured homerun hitters. On his way to the 500 HR mark, Schmidt added one to his career total with the actual bat. On August 15, 1985, the Phillies were playing the New York Mets and Dwight Gooden. Trailing 2-6, Schmidt connected with this bat in the top of the 3rd inning, adding to runs to bring the Phillies within 2 runs. The homerun wasn’t enough as the Phillies lost 7-10 to the Mets. MEARS has conducted a complete evaluation of this bat, the results:
The bat measures 35”, weighs 31 ounces and is the 154 A model, as stamped on the knob. Supplied by Rawlings, Mike Schmidt used that brand exclusively during the 1985 season.
The bat exhibits heavy game use, ball marks, stitch marks, and red rack marks. The handle has a 5” crack with some separation, most likely occurring in a subsequent at bat after the 3rd inning.
Autographed: Mike Schmidt, HR 445, 8/15/85 is written in Schmidt’s own hand. JSA Auction letter accompanies this bat.
Provenance: This bat was one of a small grouping of Mike Schmidt homerun bats which entered the hobby in the late 1990s. No letter of authenticity was provided at that time. A review of completed sales could find no example of HR #445 selling.
Final Grade (MEARS A9.5): Base grade of 5 points for bat being consistent with Schmidt model, weight, and length. 3 points for heavy game use. 2 points for player traits/written player provenance in the form of the HR inscription. Minus ½ for handle crack with separation.
A great opportunity to add a significant HR bat to your collection. (76D0419)
(JSA Auction Letter)