During the late 1990s, the Cleveland Indians were a definite force. In that time frame, the team won five consecutive American League Central Division Championships and two AL Pennants. Slugger Jim Thome and some quality coaching were just two of many reasons for the Tribe's success in the waning years of last century. This bat brings those components together in the form of one very special collectible.
This cracked Louisville Slugger belonged to Thome and was used in the same September contest that found Cleveland, again, clinching the Central Division. Our consignor was given this bat by Indians first base coach Dave Nelson. On the bat, Nelson and seven other members of Cleveland's coaching staff and front office signed their autographs in blue Sharpie. Included in the signatures:
- John Hart (General Manager)
- Make Hargrove (Manager)
- Charlie Manuel (Hitting Coach and future World Series-winning manager)
- Dave Nelson (First Base Coach)
- Toby Harrah
- Jeff Newman
- Mark Wiley
- Dan Williams
Also inscribed on the bat is, "9-17-96 American League Central Division Champs" (written on the barrel by Hargrove) and Thome's number 25 (written in black Sharpie on the knob). JSA Auction Letter and Consignor Letter of Authenticity included. 00213