This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/29/2020
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" 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 "164" and year "98" are stamped into the knob. The weight in ounces ("33") and "McGwire" are handwritten on the knob in black ink. There is a moderate coat of pine tar on the handle and around the center brand. Mac has signed the front barrel with "STL 25" inscribed in thick 9-10/10 dark blue marker.
The provenance is certainly worth noting as this bat was swung by Big Mac during a three-game interleague series June 26-28 between the Cards and Twins at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. McGwire went deep in St. Louis' 7-2 win on Saturday, June 27th for #36 on the season. At some point during the series, Big Red gave this bat to Twins Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett, who later that November had it auctioned off at his charity pool tournament ("Kirby Puckett Eight-Ball Invitational"). Funds went to Children's HeartLink in Minneapolis. A 1/22/99 SCD article about the event is included for reference. Also comes with a letter signed by Puckett himself thanking the original buyer of the bat. Full LOA from John Taube of PSA/DNA with GU 8 grade. Full LOA from Beckett for the autograph.