Winter 2014 Auction Closing Feb 7
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/8/2014
One of the most difficult psychological feats in sports is replacing a legend. When Tino Martinez was traded to the New York Yankees prior to the 1996 season, he was replacing Don Mattingly, a Yankee favorite. Martinez replaced Mattingly not only on the field, but off the field as well, as he rented Mattingly's house in Northern New Jersey. Based upon factory order records, the labeling period and player use characteristics, it was during the 1999 World Series Championship season Martinez used this 34-inch, 31-ounce Louisville Slugger M356 signature model bat. This bat exhibits tremendous game use with ball and stitch marks on barrel, including several blue ink transfers, various cleat and rack markings and Tino's number "24" on the knob in black marker. A slight crack in the handle has been professionlly repaired, and a nice coating of pine tar reaches high up the handle into the label. All factory burn stampings are dark and bold, and above the MLB logo is a blue Sharpie "Tino Martinez" signature. This is a bat used by Martinez during the Yankees dynasty run of four World Series titles in five seasons. Full LOA from PSA/DNA, cert number E36722, graded PSA GU 8 for the bat, and COA from James Spence Authentication (JSA) for the signature, cert number F49900. In addition, a LOA from Steiner Sports is also included. Multiple images and LOAs available at goldinauctions.com.