(LOT 2047)
Pete Rose Game-Used Louisville Slugger Bat from the Philadelphia Phillies 1980 Championship Season (Model R211) – Full PSA/John Taube Game-Used 9.5 LOA (PSA Cert #1B26985) & Consignor Letter of Provenance
After playing 16 consecutive seasons with the Cincinnati Reds from 1963-1978, Pete Rose would leave the Queen City for the "City of Brotherly Love", joining the Philadelphia Phillies for the 1979 campaign. Moved to the first base position in Philadelphia and having already accumulated 3,164 safeties and two World Series title with the Reds (1975; '76), it wouldn't take "Charlie Hustle" long to ably assist the Phillies in achieving their first world championship, with Philadelphia besting the K.C. Royals in the 1980 World Series. Although Rose's batting average would slip below the .300 mark for the first time in five years (.282), his unparalleled leadership and motivational skills would play a large part in leading the Phillies to their inaugural world title!

Presented here just happens to be a momentous collectible from that 1980 campaign, an absolutely sensational Pete Rose game used Louisville Slugger R311 model bat that has been directly pinpointed to that historical 1980 championship season. Graded a PSA GU 9.5, the lofty assessment leaves virtually zero doubt that Rose used this fascinating piece of lumber in 1980, with the un-cracked bat revealing heavy use. Just sit back and try to visualize this immortal switch-hitter stepping to the plate and assuming his legendary "couched" batting stance as he firmly gripped this 42-year-old piece of lumber. Incredible to say the least, it arguably stands as the most significant bat from this unearthed game-used bat collection that was gifted to the Phillies promotional "Hot-Pants Girl", and recently unearthed from a New Jersey based storage unit.

Graded an outstanding "Game-Used 9.5" bat by PSA's prestigious bat expert John Taube, the accompanying PSA LOA's provide the following critical data including Manufacturer (125 Louisville Slugger); Model Number (R211); Labeling Period (1980); Length (35 Inches); Weight (32.9 Ounces); Wood Type (Ash); and Finish (Hornsby). Presented in desirable un-cracked condition, portions of the right, left and back barrel exhibit numerous ball marks and outstanding use, with some of those ball marks revealing black ink transfers. Adding to its luster are the neatly positioned eleven tape rings situated on the handle, a trademark of Rose to enhance his grip. The bold black R211 model number is engraved directly above Pete Rose's classic facsimile signature, and the sheer beauty of this museum worthy offering stems from the ultra-desirable Hornsby/Patina-like surface finish. We cannot even begin to emphasize the significance of this seemingly miraculous offering that has been safely residing in the previously mentioned storage unit for over forty years. One of the finest game-used Pete Rose bats you will ever encounter; it remains in its original un-cracked condition with zero restoration.

Of course, after his 1980 campaign that saw Rose claim his third and final world championship, he would ultimately return to Cincinnati where he would eclipse TY Cobb's previously believed to be "un-breakable" 4,191 hit record in front of his hometown fans, lining a single to left-center off of San Diego Padres right-handed twirler Eric Show on September 11, 1985. Rose would end his remarkable 24-year career with 4,256 hits and a .303 lifetime batting average while being a prominent player at four positions (left-field, 2nd, 3rd and 1st base). Although his gambling tendencies have prevented him from being enshrined in the Hall of Fame, his uncontested popularity and "on the field" exploits leave little doubt as to the immense desirability of his game-used artifacts. Only a handful of those highly coveted keepsakes could possibly compare to this recently discovered lumber that via its PSA GU 9.5 assessment and 1980 lineage, justify its Cooperstown worthy standing! - Full PSA LOAs Included (PSA GU 9.5 - Certification #1B26985)/Consignor Letter of Provenance

MIN BID $3,000
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