Few seasons in baseball history match what Ken Griffey Jr. did in 1997, and this bat comes straight from it. That summer "The Kid" hit .304 with 56 home runs, 147 RBI and 125 runs scored, leading the American League in homers, ribbies and total bases. He also won his eighth straight Gold Glove in center field and led the Seattle Mariners to the AL West crown. The result was the only MVP award of his Hall of Fame career, and it was unanimous as he received all 28 first-place votes. Presented here is an immaculate game used and autographed bat from Junior’s historic 1997 campaign graded a perfect PSA/DNA GU 10 by distinguished bat expert John Taube.

The Louisville Slugger professional model C271 ash bat is finished in the black lacquer Griffey favored. It measures 33.75" and weighs an even 30 ounces. PSA/DNA confirmed the model number, length and weight against Louisville Slugger's factory ordering records as specifications Griffey ordered during the 1997 season. The bat remains uncracked and shows heavy use from one of the game's sweetest swings. Numerous ball contact marks with blue ink transfers along with cleat marks cover all sides of the barrel. The handle has roughly 7" of thin tape in a crisscross pattern that Griffey commonly applied to improve his grip. On the front barrel, Griffey has added his large silver marker autograph that stands out sharply against the black finish.

Griffey gamers from his Mariners prime are among the most coveted bats in the hobby. GU 10 exemplars from his 1997 MVP season with such perfect aesthetics rarely come to market, putting this one in a special class for collectors.

Authentication

PSA/DNA GU 10 Letter of Grading and Authenticity (Cert. #1B19100) for the bat. Beckett LOA (Cert. #AD40478) and PSA/DNA LOA (Cert. #AO00456) for the autograph.