Winter Auction 2016 Closing January 30th
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/31/2016
Everyone starts somewhere, and for future Angels star Mike Trout it was with the Cedar Rapids Kernals of the Midwest League. In Trout's first full pro season he hit .362 for Cedar Rapids and then was moved up the ladder to the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes where he .306. Topps named him the top minor league player of 2010 and Baseball America made him one of their 2010 minor league all-stars. Not bad for an 18 year-old kid just out of high school! This bat dates from that 2010 season in which Mike Trout established himself as the game's most exciting prospect. Trout's Old Hickory J143 model bat exhibits excellent use and has a cracked handle. Several ball marks and stitch impressions are visible on the barrel along with blue ink transfers. The lower handle and knob has been taped in a spiral pattern of adhesive tape to enhance the grip and a moderate coat of Mota Stick is on its handle. Best of all Trout has signed the bat's barrel in silver pen, adding "2012 G/U". Any game used bat from Mike Trout is a special piece, but to find one used during his minor league days is truly a stand-out item. Letter of Authenticity (1B07255 and U77402) from PSA/DNA who have graded this bat a GU 8.