This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/26/2011
According to the MEARS Bat Trade Census (pop report), this is the first and only A10 bat evaluated by our company. When dealing with Brett bats from the 1986-89 era, the hobby is infected with Anacoda Kaye and Baseball Miscellaneous supplied bats. None were ever within 100 miles of George Brett. Real examples are extremely tough!
For this example, MEARS #311667, upon examination it was revealed this bat contained documented factory ordering records, player specific game use traits, documented and desirable uniform number 5 on knob, and provenance from the brother of a former major league player.
Issued during the 1986-89 era, this bat can be pinpointed via George Brett's personal H&B bat records to 2/13/89. His order shows:
2/13/89 no finish, C271, 33.5", 32 oz., 12 pieces, Kansas City Royals
This is one of 12 bats sent to the Royals for Brett on 2/13/89.
The bat is Brett's often preferred C271 model (non cupped in this instance), measuring 33 12" - 33 3/4". The current weight is 33 ounces, slightly higher than the referenced weight of 32 ounces, but of no major concern.
Manufactured from a non-finished piece of ash, the bat exhibits the C271 knob with round barrel end.
For collectors that are particular about heavy game use and documented player use traits, this bat is for you!
In the area directly above the knob extending 7" up is a light coat of pine tar. In a 7" area directly below the left edge of the center brand, is a heavy coating of translucent pine tar, both consistent in texture and manner of application as preferred by Brett.
The area in between the two areas of pine tar remains untouched by pine tar. George Brett is famous because of his like of pine tar, and this bat exhibits a perfect application of George Brett applied tar. Some innocent stadium grass has been trapped inside the pine tar application.
From knob to barrel end are signs of heavy game use. The reverse of barrel has slight grain separation, from repeated contact of bat to ball. 6 distinct American League blue ball marks are found on the reverse barrel surface. A defined blue bat rack mark can also be seen.
In the area directly above the C271 barrel stamp is another concentrated cluster of heavy game use. Below the player facsimile barrel signature is a ten inch area of heavily concentrated game use. The surface grain is raised, and there are several cluster patterns of blue American League ball marks. Rack marks again are found on the barrel end.
On the knob is George Brett's uniform number 5. The number is applied in black marker, and is consistent with other documented authentic examples examined by MEARS.
Finally, a signed letter is provided from Delroy Davis, the brother of Chili Davis. He states that he personally received the bat from his brother Chili.
Grade MEARS A10: 5 base points assigned for bat matching factory records, 3 points assigned for heavy/optimal game use, 2 points assigned for known player traits (pine tar), documented 5 on knob, and reasonable provenance (Delroy Davis).
In summary, if you are looking for a pinpointed factored recorded bat, heavy game use, documented player use traits, and provenance, this is the perfect George Brett bat for you!!. With all of the characteristics, it is a shame that we cannot grade this bat higher.
MEARS LOA/Troy R. Kinunen, Delroy Davis LOA
(MEARS LOA)