1999 Tony Gwynn San Diego Padres Signed Game-Used Bat (Hit #2,951) - PSA/DNA GU 10

Sold For:

$10,500

Year:

1999

Auction:

2023 Summer

Lot #:

2197

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

Tony Gwynn Louisville Slugger signature-model ("B267") bat dating from his 1999 season with the San Diego Padres. Graded GU 10 by PSA/DNA. The cupped-end bat is not cracked and displays excellent use along the barrel, including ball marks (including black ink transfers), a taped handle, and a light coat of pine tar on the upper handle. Gwynn's uniform number ("19") and the bat's model number ("B267") are written in black marker on both the knob and cupped barrel end. Also written on the knob in black marker are the bat's length ("33") and original weight ("30 1/2"). Gwynn has signed the bat in black Sharpie directly above the barrel stamping. The notation "#2951" appears below the barrel stamping in black Sharpie. Although the bat is accompanied by no other documentation, it seems almost certain, based upon that numerical notation, that this bat was used by Gwynn while recording his 2,951st career hit. Gwynn was known to have aggressively marketed his game-used items during his pursuit of 3,000 hits (his wife ran the marketing company), and we have seen other Gwynn game-used bats inscribed in a similar manner. Tony Gwynn's 2,951st career hit occurred on April 21, 1999, in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. Gwynn went 2 for 4 that day in a 2-0 victory over the Pirates. He eventually recorded his 3,000th hit later that season on August 6th, becoming the twenty-second player in history to accomplish that feat. One of the greatest hitters of the modern era, Gwynn's lifetime total of 3,141 hits ranks 21st all time, and his .338 career average has been topped by only 11 other modern-day players. Length: 32.875 inches. Weight: 29.6 ounces. Full LOA from John Taube of PSA/DNA (bat only) Auction LOA from James Spence/JSA (autograph only). The size/weight of this item requires that there will be an additional shipping charge for this lot. Opening Bid $300.