This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/11/2018
In 2016 Los Angeles Angels centerfielder Mike Trout won his second American League Most Valuable Player award as he batted .315 with 29 home runs and 100 RBI. He also led the A.L. in walks (116), runs scored (123) and on-base percentage (.441). This lot features the bat Trout used to club his 18th big fly of the season during that memorable MVP campaign. The superstar has even signed and inscribed the barrel to document the feat. As if Trout’s John Hancock wasn’t enough, the two-toned piece of lumber has been photo-matched to the very at-bat against the Tampa Bay Rays on July 6 at Tropicana Field. He went 1-4 with two runs and two RBI plus a stolen base in L.A.’s 7-2 victory. The dinger – No. 157 of his Cooperstown-bound career – was a solo shot in the top of the fifth off Rays starter Drew Smyly to extend the Halos lead to 7-0.
The 33.5” inch, 33.2 oz. maple Old Hickory bat (model MT27*) is un-cracked and shows evidence of outstanding game use. Several blue-ink transfers, white leather scuffs and ball stitch impressions from hard contact are visible on the left and back barrel. The handle has been taped approximately 9.25 inches in a spiral pattern with yellow and green Lizard Skins tape, which was used to make the conclusive photo-match by renowned bat expert John Taube. There is a moderate coat of pine tar on the upper handle. The mark visible on the handle identifies the face – a mandatory marking for all maple bats per MLB since 2009. Trout has signed the barrel of the bat in silver marker and added a long inscription: “HR #18 vs. TB MVP 16 G/U.”
LOA from John Taube of PSA/DNA graded perfect GU 10 (cert# 1B14452). Includes LOA from Anderson Authentics (hologram #2581) verifying the game and HR.