SCP Auctions November 2010 Internet Auction

4192 is one of the most sacred numbers not only in baseball history, but in sports history. It represents a lifetime of hard work and a combination of skill and competitiveness that few men possessed to degree that Pete Rose did. These traits in Rose are undeniable and drove him to surpass Ty Cobb’s seemingly unreachable mark and become Major League Baseball’s all-time Hit King. Also undeniable is Rose’s propensity to test the boundaries that govern America’s National Pastime. In 1985 Rose had been traded from the Expos back to the Reds the previous season and was on the last legs of his career. Playing first base, and serving as the last player-manager in baseball, Rose remained unyielding in his pursuit of Ty Cobb's hallowed record of 4,191 hits. Before the season, Rose had a box of about 30 black Mizuno bats specially made for him. His trademark quick swing not nearly as quick as it used to be, Rose ordered his bats a little lighter than usual to shorten up his motion. The bats were 34 inches long, and weighed 32 ounces. In honor of his quest for 4,192 hits, they were dubbed the PR4192. Offered here is one such example of Rose’s Mizuno professional model PR4192. This example remains un-cracked and shows evidence of heavy use. Many ball marks and ball stitch impressions are visible on the right and left barrel. Many common and distinguishing Rose characteristics are apparent including a sanded area of the left barrel and five tape rings on the handle. Cleat marks are visible on the right barrel. Pete Rose added his signature and inscription '1985' on the front barrel in silver marker. The bats most unique feature however, is the appearance of an alteration to the barrel end that is indicative of the barrel being corked. The discovery of this feature prompted an X-ray of the barrel, which revealed that the barrel is in fact, corked. It is well known that during the referenced labeling period, Rose was known to cork his gamers. This fact has been confirmed by the subject bat as well as two other documented examples that have been X-rayed including the bat used by Rose to hit his 159th career home run on May 20th, 1985. Corked Rose bats, however, are seldom seen in the marketplace. The offered bat is among the most unique and intriguing pieces of Rose memorabilia a collector could ever hope to own. Dating from a pivotal and historic period of his storied and controversial career, it is the embodiment of Rose’s competitive nature. A copy of the bat X-ray is included and features a label affixed to it signed by Rose with the notation “#4256 Mizuno Bat”. Also included is a LOA from John Taube of PSA/DNA (Graded GU10). Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (auto.)