2003 was the only season Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez spent with the Florida Marlins in his 21-year career, and he certainly made the most of it. The Hall of Fame backstop provided invaluable leadership for the NL Wild Card squad that won the pennant and stunned the New York Yankees in six games to capture the franchise's second World Series title. Offered here is a Louisville Slugger professional model bat used by the Hall of Fame catcher during that Fall Classic.

The R226 model is stamped "Florida Marlins" on the barrel beneath Rodriguez's gold facsimile signature. According to PSA/DNA, the bat's model number, length and weight specifications have been confirmed by the manufacturer's ordering records as ordered by Rodriguez during the 2003 season. The 34" ash bat weighs 29.9 ounces with the distinctive two-toned Walker finish shows outstanding use and has a repaired handle crack. Rodriguez's #7 is written on the ends of the knob and barrel. Official 2003 World Series balls were imprinted in gold ink, and PSA/DNA cites gold transfers on the as evidence of World Series use. PSA/DNA also identified Rodriguez at the plate during Game 6 using the same model bat.

Rodriguez has signed the barrel in bold silver marker and inscribed it "2003 World Series Game Used." The bat bears an Authentic Sports Investments "Pudge 7" hologram and is accompanied by a signed letter from Rodriguez attesting to its World Series use. Bat guru John Taube of PSA/DNA has graded the bat a near-perfect GU 9.5 (Cert. #1B39950). Autograph expert Steve Grad of GRAD Authentication has certified the signature and inscription.