This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2012
Blonde Kent Hrbek 1986-89 Minnesota Twins professional model bat exhibiting heavy use. This bat has the brandings (Model Number, Center Brand, and Barrel Brand) that confirm its manufacture for the personal use of professional baseball players. In this case, Kent Hrbek’s name in script indicates that he had an endorsement contract with H & B at the time of manufacture. Game use is evidenced on this bat by the presence of pine tar, hit marks, ball marks, and cleat marks. An 8-inch crack at the handle is secured by a post-crack application of tape. The number 14 is present on the knob, Hrbek’s uniform number with the Minnesota Twins during this period. This bat has also been signed by Kent Hrbek and 28 other members of the 1989 Minnesota Twins, suggesting Hrbek’s use of this bat during the 1989 Major League season. Other key signatures include: Kirby Puckett, Gary Gaetti, Greg Gagne, Tony Oliva, Wayne Terwiliger, Ron Gardenhire, Dan Gladden, Frank Viola, Jeff Reardon, Gene Larkin, Al Newman, Johmmy Podres, Greg Olson and Tom Kelly.
(JSA/James Spence Auction Authentication; Michael Specht Authentication)