This is a 1988-89 Bill Buckner Cooper Professional Model Game Used Bat. This bat dates to the 1988-89 period based on Buckner's jersey number, 14, present on the knob of the bat, which he wore with the Kansas City Royals from 1988-89. This bat currently weighs 32.5 ounces and measures 33.75 inches in length.
This bat exhibits heavy use with ball marks present on all sides of the barrel. The majority of the use is visible along the back of the barrel, where deadwood has begun to slightly left and a small section has had the wood broken away, about 1 inch by a 0.5 inch. This bat has a number of bat rack marks running through the handle and barrel of the bat. Buckner's jersey number, 14, appears in black marker on the knob of the bat.
Buckner spent 22 years in the big leagues, playing for the Dodgers, Cubs, Red Sox, Angels, and the Royals. Buckner was a very productive first baseman and outfielder during his career, racking up 2,715 hits while batting at a career .284 average. Buckner, though, is best known for his poor defensive skills showcased in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series, which many refer to as the "Buckner Play", where he let a ball get through his legs in the tenth inning.
This bat grades out at the MEARS A8.5 grade with five points for the base grade, three points for heavy use, one point for the documented uniform number on the knob, and a half point deduction for the deadwood and small piece of missing wood on the back of the barrel.
Collection of MEARS Staff.