Going into 1994, Derek Jeter was the hottest prospect in the Yankees farm system. Ranked the 16th-best prospect in all of organized baseball, Jeter made the Yanks 40-man roster out of spring training. The first order of business for any new big leaguer is to place a bat order with Louisville Slugger. On March 2, 1994, Jeter did just that, and soon a dozen P72 model bats with his name in block letters right above the “NEW YORK YANKEES” stamping on the barrel. The model bat was in and of itself not noteworthy – a model of consistency, Jeter would use the P72 model his entire career. However, Jeter’s first Major League order bat is significant in that it carries the natural-colored flame burned finish – every bat order placed by Derek Jeter specified a black finish - except his very first – from which this bat originated.

This offered P72 model bat shows outstanding use with a slight handle crack that has been repaired. Many ball marks and stitch impressions can be found on all sides of the barrel along with white leather ball scuffs and ink transfers. Cleat marks are located on the front and left barrel and the impression of a weighted batting donut is present. Green and blue bat rack paint streaks are on the barrel as are contact abrasions from contact with other equipment. A heavy coat of pine tar still clings to the handle. The rookie has signed the barrel in faded blue marker to complete this very significant and museum-worthy game used bat. Jeter also has signed this bat on the barre, with his signature being light. The bat comes with a LOA from PSA/DNA (1B13088) for the game use and has been graded a perfect GU 10. There is also a LOA from JSA (Z83399).

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