2023 SPRING PREMIER AUCTION
Wed, Apr 12, 2023 08:00PM EDT - Sun, Apr 30, 2023 07:26AM EDT
Timed Auction
Lot 248
Unique 1982-83 Willie Stargell Signed Louisville Slugger K44 Model 'Stat Bat' with Heavy Use by "Pops" - PSA/DNA Taube LOA, PSA/DNA COA
Sold for
$639.60
Sold Price includes BP
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $200 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $30,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
| $300,000 | $25,000 |
| $500,000 | $50,000 |
Presented here is an incredibly unique Willie Stargell Louisville Slugger 'K44' pro model bat dating to 1982-83 around the time "Pops" was wrapping up his playing career with his beloved Pittsburgh Pirates. In his last game on October 3, 1982 at Three Rivers Stadium, Stargell batted leadoff and smacked a single in his final MLB at-bat, leaving for a pinch-runner to a standing ovation. He served as a part-time Spring Training coach/instructor the following spring before getting a full-time coaching gig in 1985. He later served as the Atlanta Braves first base coach 1986-88.
We have no evidence of this "stat bat" (as PSA/DNA describes it) being used by Stargell in an official MLB game. It's possible he used it at the end of the '82 campaign, but most likely it was left over from his final season and used for recreational/instructional BP in '83 to show the youngsters how to barrel up big-league pitching. Our guess is, rather than retire the bat and mount on his wall or display in his trophy room, "Pops" had a team equipment manager or someone at H&B customize the barrel with his respective career stats. The tape application is noted to be vintage, well-worn and authentically Stargell's by John Taube of PSA/DNA. The barrel of the bat also displays a number of ball marks, stitch impressions and other transfers from hitting contact. Willie has autographed the lower barrel in 8/10 black marker. The bat includes a PSA/DNA COA for the autograph and a full LOA from Taube for its use.
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