No player trade in the history of the Reds was more eagerly anticipated than the one that brought hometown hero Ken Griffey, Jr. back to Cincinnati. By the time he arrived in 2000 Junior had a decade of Hall of Fame credentials behind him and was considered the most complete ballplayer since Willie Mays. The four-time home run champ and American League MVP kept the Reds pennant contenders all the way to the last week of the season. Griff’s Reds tenure was later marred by debilitating injuries brought on by his all-out style of playing the game.

      This Hillerich & Bradsby C271 bat was used by Griffey during the 2001-2002 seasons with Cincinnati during which he hit .278 and slugged 30 home runs. The bat is un-cracked and shows outstanding use by the Hall of Famer. Many ball marks and stitch impressions can be seen on the barrel along with white leather ball scuffs and cleat imprints. There is the impression of a weighted batting donut. The handle has been taped in a criss-cross pattern to enhance Griffey’s grip and a light coat of pine tar has been applied over it. In short, this bat looks every inch like it was used by the most talented and explosive ballplayer to come along since Willie Mays. This bat comes with a letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA (1B06903) who have given this Griffy Gamer a perfect grade of “GU 10”.

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