October Legends and Americana Ending November 14th
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2015
In the spring of 2001 the Cardinals brought up the most talked-about rookie in decades - Albert Pujols. While many kids come up to the majors with much hype they can't possibly live up to, Pujols actually surpassed all predictions and hit National League hitting at a .329 clip with 37 homers. He easily won the NL Rookie of the Years Award and the Cards began building a ball club around their new star. This SAM JB-1 bat was used during Pujols rookie campaign. The bat is un-cracked and is a non-contract model as the budding star was still finding the make and model of bats he felt comfortable with. As befits a young slugger trying his best to make an impression his rookie season, this bat exhibits outstanding use. The barrel shows many ball marks with stitch impressions along with white leather ball scuffs and blue ink transfers. The upper handle has a moderate coat of pine tar and many cleat marks are visible. The top barrel has the length "34", weight "32oz" date "04 03 01", model "JB1" and Pujols' initials "A.P." written in black marker. His soon to be famous number "5" has been hand written on both ends in black marker. An awesome bat from the rookie year of one of the most outstanding players in recent memory. Letter of Authenticity "1B06315" from PSA/DNA who have graded this bat a perfect GU 10 (The first Rookie Pujols to have achieved that grade) Also comes with LOA from Jeff Scott of Bird Bats who calls it a 'textbook' Pujols gamer.