This bat was used by Alex Rodriguez in the early stages of his 22-year big league career. On May 2, 1997, A-Rod was at home in Seattle facing Brewers starter Jeff D'Amico. In the bottom of the 5th, Rodriguez hit a D'Amico pitch out of the Kingdome for the 5th homer of the ’97 season and the 46^th of his eventual 696 career shots. A-Rod used this bat to hit that early homer and the Louisville Slugger C271L model bat exhibits tremendous use with a handle crack. Many ball marks and white leather scuffs are found on the barrel along with abrasions from contact with the ground and other equipment. Rodriguez has signed the bat and inscribed, “Homer #5” in silver marker. This bat comes with a COA from Alex Rodriguez for the game use and signature and LOA from Beckett for the signature.