October Legends Closing October 29
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2016
After the Big Red Machine won back-to-back World Championships in 1975 and 1976, the spotlight quickly shifted to Pete Rose. The undisputed fire behind the Reds dynasty, it now became apparent that number 14 was setting his sights beyond a mere World Series ring - Pete Rose was going after Ty Cobb’s career hits record.
In 1977 Rose had 2,762, about 2/3 of the way there. The following seasons saw Rose turn into an automatic hit machine - in the seasons he used this bat, 1977-1979, Pete hit .315 and added 610 to his tally. This Hillerich & Bradsby R195 model bat is un-cracked and shows outstanding use by The Hit King. Many ball marks and stitch impressions can be seen on the barrel, some of which must have added to Rose’s pursuit of Ty Cobb’s record. Cleat marks are visible as are green and red bat rack paint streak. Rose’s famous number “14” is hand written in black marker on the knob end. The remains of a medium coat of pine tar can still be seen on its handle. The right barrel has been cleaned with alcohol, a trait of Pete Rose bats from this era.
A painted image of Rose has been professionally removed from the barrel, allowing the beauty of the iconic Louisville Slugger bat to take center stage. To complete this piece of baseball history, Pete Rose has signed the barrel right below his stamped endorsement in blue ink. A wonderful game used bat dating from the period when breaking Cobb’s cherished record began to become a reality. This game used and signed bat comes with letters of authenticity from PSA/DNA (G55804) who have graded this bat a flawless GU 10, MEARS (313927) who awarded this bat a perfect A10 and PSA/DNA (AA07660) for his signature.