Throughout his career, Pete Rose was a perfectionist when it came to his bats. Like most players in the 1960’s, Pete started swinging a Louisville Slugger, but began experimenting with almost every brand of bat approved for Major League use. This Mizuno bat dates from 1982 when he was with the Montreal Expos. According to Craig Lapiner, to whom the bat was gifted to in 1982, Rose used this and several other gold Mizuno’s for a short period before moving on to another model.

     The Mizuno 3631 model bat is un-cracked and shows excellent use. As is common with Rose’s game used bats, some of the finish has been removed. Several ball marks and stitch impressions can be seen and the handle has been taped in a spiral pattern to enhance the grip. “Craig” is written on the barrel near the center brand and The Hit King has signed the left barrel in black marker. A great Rose gamer in a special gold finish not normally seen that comes with a full LOA from PSA/DNA (1B06162) for the game use, with a grade of GU 9, and a full LOA from PSA/DNA for the signature (AC04506). There is also a signed LOA from Pete Rose and two from Vic Lapiner, the father of the bat’s original recipient.

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