This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/11/2018
Current Los Angeles Angels first baseman/DH Albert Pujols is now competing in his 18th MLB season. But the burley slugger got his start in the major leagues with the St. Louis Cardinals and made an immediate impact upon his arrival in 2001. This lot features a game used bat that Pujols used during that impressive N.L. Rookie of the Year era, batting.329 with 37 home runs and 130 RBI in 2001 and hitting .314 with 34 dingers and 127 ribbies in ’02. After joining the 3,000 Hit Club this season and moving into 6th on the
all-time home run list, Sir Albert is making a case not just as a
first-ballot Hall-of-Famer but as one of the greatest right-handed hitters
ever.
The maple wood Louisville Slugger bat (model C243) stretches 33.75 inches long and weighs a hefty 33.2 ounces. The bat is uncracked but still shows evidence of excellent game use. Several ball marks are visible throughout the barrel with some of those including blue ink transfers. A light coat of pine tar is also present on the handle. Pujols’ uniform number “5” is written on the knob and top barrel in black marker. What’s more, Pujols signed the bat with “#5” and added the inscription “ROY 2001” on the front barrel, all in black marker.
An interesting feature of this bat is the presence of a double lacquer Smith finish from the beginning of the label to the barrel end. Bat expert John Taube of PSA/DNA provides a logical explanation of this in his included Game Used LOA. Also comes with full LOA from PSA/DNA for the autograph and inscription