Mark McGwire was named American League Rookie of the Year in 1987 after a spectacular debut season for the Oakland A’s that included setting the then-MLB rookie record of 49 home runs. As his career progressed, it became clear that McGwire was destined to become one of baseball's all-time great power hitters. All doubts were laid to rest when he shattered Roger Maris' single-season home run record in 1998, hitting an unbelievable 70 round-trippers for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Presented here is Big Mac's game used bat from his fairy-tale '98 campaign when he and Slammin' Sammy Sosa captivated the baseball world with a home run chase nearly as thrilling as Maris vs. Mantle 37 years earlier. The 34.5" Rawlings Adirondack professional model ash bat is un-cracked with outstanding game use in the form of ball contact marks, stitch impressions, ink transfers and bat rack streaks. Model number "MAC25", order number "265" and year "98" are stamped into the knob. The weight in ounces ("33") and "McGwire" are handwritten on the knob in ballpoint pen. There is a moderate coat of pine tar on the handle and around the center brand. McGwire has signed the front barrel with "STL 25, 98" inscribed in thick 9-10/10 black marker.
There is a detailed LOA on this baseball treasure from John Taube & Vince Malta of PSA/DNA with GU 10 grade.
If that's not enough, the provenance gets even better, as Resolution Photomatching has matched McGwire's personal lumber to two games from the 1998 season. This is documented in detail here. Wow!
An added bonus to this package is correspondence, postmarked November 24, 1998, from then-Cardinals Manager Tony La Russa on this McGwire bat. La Russa is a baseball legend himself, and this St. Louis stationary with Tony's handwritten message is an absolute delight.
Note that a similar McGwire 1998 bat was presented by SCP Auctions in the fall of 2021 and sold for $49,555.