This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/27/2023
Ronald Acuña Jr. is one of the best and most exciting players in all of baseball today, possessing a rare combination of speed, power and defensive prowess for the high-octane Atlanta Braves. Already with four All-Star appearances, two Silver Sluggers and a World Series title under his belt, the 2018 National League Rookie of the Year is easily the front-runner for NL MVP this in 2023. As of 8/24/23, he is batting .335 with 28 homers and leads the NL in hits, runs (113), total bases (287), stolen bases (58) and OBP (.419) as the Braves look to repeat as NL East champions and make another deep postseason run.
Acuña Jr. was still a young prospect when he used this bat for the Braves Rookie Ball squad in the Gulf Coast League in 2015, his very first stop in Atlanta's farm system after being signed at age 17 out of La Guaira, Venezuela. The 33.5 inch, 31.7 ounce Louisville Slugger I13H pro model bat shows outstanding use with a handle crack; hence, the only reason for its rather lackluster PSA/DNA GU 8 grade. The barrel is loaded with ball marks, stitch impressions visible, blue ink transfers and white leather scuffs. Cleat marks can also be seen on the right and back barrel. The handle has been taped in a crisscross pattern to enhance the grip. Acuña Jr. has signed the front barrel in bold silver marker.
Includes LOA from John Taube of PSA/DNA (GU 8). Autograph certified by JSA.