(LOT 21)
Mike Trout Signed & Inscribed 2012 "Rookie" Game Used Bat – Full PSA GU 9.5 LOA & Full PSA/DNA Autograph LOA, MLB Authentication
The sports memorabilia hobby is currently in the midst of an unfathomable pricing escalation for some of America's greatest sports heroes, but unlike the traditional "vintage" market surges experienced in the past, this unprecedented uptick is actually being driven by the modern era stars. Indeed, sports icons such as Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes and Mike Trout are among the superstars leading this tsunami-like pricing surge that certainly appears to know no bounds. The $1.85 million sale of a Lebron James highest graded rookie card and $922K price realized for a Mike Trout "1 of 5" red refractor rookie are momentous examples of this phenomena that has taken the hobby by storm.

Of course, the obvious next question is: "what will be the next collectible to surge in value?" With regard to our National Pastime, there is no better choice than to place your bets on a Mike Trout artifact for it is common knowledge that he stands as baseball's finest player and destined to retire as a "Top 10" all-time Hall of Famer. That said, presented here is a remarkable Mike Trout 2012 game used "rookie year" bat that has been authenticated a "GU 9.5" by PSA. The bat has also been signed in silver sharpie by the California Angels superstar as well as Trout inscribing the following notations on the barrel in bold silver sharpie: "Mike Trout/27 – Super Natural - G/U 12".

The extremely bold script and highly coveted inscriptions present themselves in solid "Mint 9" strength, with the "GU 12" notation representing the 2012 rookie season that Trout used this Cooperstown worthy keepsake (additional PSA/DNA & JSA LOAs are included for the Mike Trout autograph & inscriptions). While Trout played in 40 games during 2011, due to his limited plate appearances, he was still eligible for MLB "rookie status" for the 2012 campaign and he certainly did not disappoint the California faithful. The slugging centerfielder would belt 30 round-trippers, steal a league leading 49 bases, post a sensational .326 batting average and compile a likewise outstanding .963 OPS. These numbers would easily earn him the "Rookie of the Year" award as well as a second-place finish in the MVP voting. Considering the staggering figures being paid for Trout rookie cards, we can only assume any of his rookie year heirlooms will likewise steamroll ahead with regard to their augmented pricing.

Adding ironclad credence to this remarkable Trout memento is the PSA Game Used 9.5 LOA issued by renowned bat authenticator John Taube. The LOA clearly states that this Old Hickory Model J143M Trout cupped end maple wood bat measures 33.5 inches and weighs 32.5 ounces, while exhibiting outstanding use by the future Hall of Famer. Some of the game use evidence includes a repaired handle crack, several ball marks (including blue ink transfers), stich impressions, and cleat marks visible on the left and back barrel. Typical with Trout game used bats, the lower handle includes a moderate coat of Mota Stick with a light coat of pine tar affixed to the center brand Its highly coveted PSA 9.5 assessment is solidified not only by the aforementioned bat use and markings, but by the MLB Authentication Services hologram (EK323698) that has been affixed to the front barrel as bona-fide provenance.

One of Mike Trout's foremost game used bats, its rookie year stature immediately places it as one of the most significant Mike Trout bats in circulation. It is no secret that this right-handed slugger is well on his way to a Cooperstown induction ceremony, and any of his spectacular game used artifacts remain in heavy demand. Often dubbed as the "Modern Mickey Mantle" the hard-hitting and gold glove centerfielder has compiled some sensational numbers in his 9-year career. Winner of 3 MVP Awards, Trout currently posts a .305 lifetime batting average, 285 homers, and 752 RBI's. More significantly, his pertinent saber-metrics numbers include leading the A.L. in "Offensive WAR" an incredible 8 of 9 full seasons while amassing a magnificent 1.000 OPS that combines On Base and Slugging Percentage.

No doubt, this unparalleled young star is on track to be placed alongside some of baseball's immortals such as Ruth, Gehrig, Cobb, Wagner, DiMaggio, Mays, Mantle and so many more of the game's most exalted players. Therefore, it should come as little surprise that intelligent collectors are anticipating a continuous pricing escalation of Trout's most popular collectibles, with very few of them more desirable than this unfathomable piece of lumber exhibiting significant game use by the California superstar during his historic 2012 rookie season!

MIN BID $7,500
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