October Legends and Americana Ending November 14th
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2015
Big Papi had his major league debut in September 1997 when the Twins called him up from their New Britain farm team. His lackluster performance at the plate was further hampered by a series of injuries and Ortiz' first two seasons as a big leaguer left his career in doubt.
Persistence and work eventually paid off and Ortiz emerged as one of the finest designated hitters to play the game. This Louisville Slugger C243 model bat dates from Big Papi's formative years in the majors. The bat shows outstanding use with a repaired handle crack. The barrel has many ball marks and stitch impressions along with white leather ball scuffs and blue ink transfers. The handle has been taped in a criss-cross pattern to enhance the grip and on Ortiz has signed the barrel in silver pen adding his number "27". Letter of Authenticity from JSA (Y08784) and PSA/DNA (1B09864) who have graded this early Ortiz bat a GU 8.5.