Former slugger Dave Parker made his debut with the Pittsburg Pirates during the 1973 season and appeared in 54 games. The Cobra maintained a solid .288 average and added 4 home runs and 29 RBI to cap off his first season. Presented here is a Hillerich & Bradsby K44 model bat that was used by Parker during the 1973 season. This bat displays heavy game use with a crack on the handle. An approximate 4-inch piece is missing from the mid-handle and the crack has been secured by three nails. There are ball marks, stitch impressions and slight checking or grain swelling from repeated ball contact present on the barrel. The bat’s model number “K44” is stamped on the knob and Parker’s number “39” is handwritten in green marker on the knob. Parker signed his name in bold black marker on the barrel and inscribed “Cobra” and “Game Bat 1973 Pirates 4-HR. 288-BA”. This bat comes with a LOA from MEARS (312310) for the game use and has been given a very high grade of A9, plus a LOA from Beckett Authentication for Parker’s signature and inscriptions. Please note that there are other names handwritten on this bat in pen on the barrel. Those signatures have not been authenticated.

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