This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/14/2024
In the modern era, when it comes to catchers in Major League Baseball, one name consistently rises to the top of the list: Yadier Molina of the St. Louis Cardinals. Regarded as one of the premier backstops in the game, Molina proved his worth time and time again, especially on defense.
In 2015, Molina showcased his exceptional skills behind the dish, winning his 8th consecutive Gold Glove and earning his 7th straight All-Star nod. As a hitter, Yadi batted a solid .270 with 132 hits and 61 RBI over 136 games. Featured here is his Marucci AP5-LDM model bat with great game use evidence. Upon close inspection, you can spot ball marks and stitch impressions, a testament to Molina's consistent contact. His jersey number "4" is stamped into the knob. The bat is smothered in pine tar and has a long handle crack running lengthways from the handle to the barrel.
This special Molina gamer has been conclusively photomatched by Game Used Gamers (confirmed by John Taube of PSA/DNA) to a combined 4 hits in two games June 15-16 including his first homer of the 2015 season (#97 of his surefire Hall of Fame career). Molina's signature, penned neatly in black Sharpie, graces the barrel with "Game Used" inscribed. The affixed MLB Authentication hologram sticker (HZ317476) certifies the bat as being broken on June 17th in Molina's 9th inning at-bat. Yadi went 1-for-4 in that game, so he essentially collected five hits in a three-game span against the Twins using this bat.
Includes LOA from PSA/DNA graded GU 9 (would certainly be 10 if not for the crack) and detailed paperwork from Game Used Gamers with photomatches of each of the four at-bats that Molina recorded a hit, including his homer. MLB Authentication hologram for the June 17th broken bat game. JSA cert (WP110749) and Beckett LOA for the autograph.