Pepitone was a very popular Yankee where he played from 1962-69. His last year in the major leagues was 1973 for Atlanta. This bat shows up in one shipping record on 7-25-74, after he had retired from the Braves and after his year playing professional ball in Japan. Since it was made mid season in 1974, the reason for the order could have been that he was playing slow pitch with the ASSPL. He made a comeback with Hawaii in 1976 so he could have ordered the bat in 1974 for a try out for some team.
Player: Joe Pepitone
Block/Script Name: Script
Label Period: 1973-75
Year/s Used: 1974 or later
Teams Played During Era of Bat: None
Other Teams Played:
Majors: 1962-69 Yankees, 1970-72 Cubs, 1973 Braves.
Minors:1 976 Hawaii PCL
Manufacture: H&B
Model Number: R161 stamped on knob.
Length: 35"
Weight: 32.8 oz.
Side Writing: None
Vault Marks: None
Shipping Label: None
Game Use: Very light
Ball Marks: There are two light ball marks on top of barrel.
Swelling: None
Grain Separation: None
Cleat Marks: No
Rack Marks: Yes
Nails/Screws: No
Pine Tar: NO
Handle Tape: No
Handle Crack: No
Barrel Crack: No
Dents/Gouges: No
Wood: Ash
Autographed: Yes, blue marker right under the stamped name on barrel.
Uniform Number:
Model Number: R161 stamped
Barrel End Markings: None
Provenance: None
Factory Records: Yes, shipped 7-25-24
Player Traits: Unknown
Grade: MEARS auction LOA
MEARS Bat Index Report: Mears has examined only one other Pepitone game bat.
Comments:
Inventory Number: 00350
Collection of MEARS staff: No
Comments: This is a factory recorded game bat shipped to Pepitone. It is not a more recent show or autograph bat.