Holiday Auction Closing December 8, 2018

Lot #10: 1995-96 Eddie Murray Game Used, Signed & Inscribed Rawlings 456A Model Bat Used To Hit Career Home Run #497 On 8/14/96 (PSA/DNA GU 10, Beckett & Murray LOA)

Description

Hall of Famer Eddie Murray was in fast pursuit of the exclusive 500 Home Run Club in 1996. Murray, who spent the full 1995 season with the Cleveland Indians, helped lead them to the American League pennant that season. 1995 also saw Murray join the 3,000 Hit Club as well and him reaching home run 500 would put him in an even more exclusive territory as only Hall of Famers Hank Aaron and Willie Mays had done so previously.

Murray was dealt to the Baltimore Orioles in July of 1996 as the Orioles were chasing the upstart Yankees in the American League East. During the August 14th, 1996 game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Camden Yards, Murray connected for his 497th career home run off Brewers’ pitcher Ricky Bones in the bottom of the eighth inning. This Rawlings 456A INDIANS model bat was used by Murray for his 497th career home run and 18th home run of 1996. This bat displays moderate game use and is un-cracked. There are ball marks, stitch impressions and black bat rack streaks present on the barrel. The lower handle has a two-taped ring pattern to enhance the grip. The model number “456A” is stamped on the knob and “33” is handwritten in silver and green marker on the knob. Murray has signed his name in blue marker across the barrel and dated this bat to the specific home run by inscribing “No. 497 Home Run Off Ricky Bones 8-14-96”. A wonderful home run bat dated to Murray’s chase to 500 and it comes with a LOA from PSA/DNA (1B13939) for the game use and has been graded a perfect GU 10. There is also a COA from Beckett Authentication Services (F63882) for his signature and a LOA from Eddie Murray.

Final Bid (Includes Buyers Premium):$13,200
Minimum Bid:$3,500
Number of Bids:12