This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/21/2017
Boston's beloved David Ortiz has decided to hang 'em up after one of the most productive seasons in his storied Red Sox career. In 2016 at the age of 40, Big Papi led the American League in RBI (127), doubles (48), SLG (.620) and OPS (1.021). The charismatic, fun-loving member of baseball's 500 Home Run Club reached that elite milestone in 2015 with the help of this offered game used bat. The historic big fly came on September 12, 2015 in Tampa Bay. He actually started the day at 498. In the first inning, with two on, Ortiz took Rays lefty Matt Moore deep into the right-field bleachers for No. 499 using this very bat, according to authentication from Fanatics and MLB. (See Getty 487929344 for a good match.) In the fifth inning, he again homered off Moore for No. 500 using a different bat, which Papi most likely kept for himself.
The Marucci professional model two-tone bat is stamped "Handcrafted for David Ortiiz Papi34 Custom Cut III - LDM" on the barrel next to his blazing silver 10/10 autograph. Ortiz has inscribed "game used 9/12/15 vs Tampa off Moore HR 499" adjacent in the same shiny silver paint pen. As Papi like to do with his bats, the handle has a bright green custom grip extending 10" from the knob and the upper handle is lightly coated in pine tar (or Mota stick). The knob has very unique sticker with "500" and a map of Dominican Republic in honor of the native's home run pursuit. The weight is 33.5 oz. and the length is 34.5" with the barrel end hollowed out about
3/4". The un-cracked displays outstanding evidence of game use with several ball impressions,
cleat, and bat rack marks. A spectacular example to own from the tail end of his exclusive 500 HR Club entry with unquestionable documentation.
MLB Auth. #HZ 597156. Fanatics hologram #1098062. Autograph pre-certified by PSA/DNA.