This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/11/2022
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 professional model ash bat exhibits outstanding game use in the form of ball contact marks, cleat marks, heavy pine tar coating on the upper handle, and ink transfers. Model number "MAC25", order number "052" and year "98" are stamped into the knob. Mac has signed the front barrel in thick 9-10/10 black marker.
Full LOA from John Taube of PSA/DNA with GU 9.5 grade. Full LOA from Beckett for the autograph. A scanned letter from McGwire's former St. Louis Cardinals Manager Tony LaRussa gives this bat great provenance as well.