On June 25, 2009, the Yankees were facing the Mets at Citi Field. Over the past couple of seasons, Alex Rodriguez had meticulously passed baseball great after baseball great as he climbed up the all-time career home run leaders list. On August 4, 2007 he officially joined the 500 Home Run Club, and then topped Hall of Famers such as Ted Williams, Ernie Banks, Frank Thomas, Willie McCovey, Jimmie Foxx and Mickey Mantle. Now, on the night of June 25, 2009, Alex Rodriguez was again poised to match another great slugger. With 2 out in the top of the 8th, A-Rod connected with an Elmer Dessens pitch for a 2-run homer. The blast with A-Rod’s 11th on the year, but more significantly, it tied him with Reggie Jackson on the all-time career home run list with 563.

This is the bat Rodriguez used that night for the historic homer. The Louisville Slugger C271L model bat is un-cracked and displays heavy game use. The left and back barrel is covered with ball marks and stitch impressions along with white leather ball marks complete with blue ink transfers. There are cleat imprints on all sides and the impression of a weighted batting sleeve is present. A moderate coat of Mota stick remains on the handle and the date of manufacture “2/23/2009,” length “34,” and weight “32oz” is stamped into the knob. In addition to the signature, Rodriguez has inscribed “Game Used 6/25/09 Career HR #563 Tying Reggie Jackson” in silver marker. The bat comes with a LOA from PSA/DNA (1B01227) for the game use and has been graded a perfect GU 10. There is also a LOA from JSA (Z87955) for the signature.

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