This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 7/18/2019.
Mark McGwire put the national sports spotlight on baseball during the 1998 MLB season as the home run chase unfolded towards Roger Maris' single-season record of 61. McGwire set a then major league single-season home run record of 70. Offered is the bat McGwire used to hit his 49th home run of the historic season. In the 10th inning of a 6-6 tie game with the Chicago Cubs, McGwire blasted a ball off of Terry Mulholland to take the lead. Manuf: Rawlings, Model Number: MAC25, Length: 34.5 in., Weight: 32.5 oz., Wood: Ash, Labeling Period: 1998, Finish: Natural. This bat shows evidence of outstanding use with a handle crack. Numerous ball marks and ball stitch impressions are visible on the left and back barrel. There is a heavy coat of pine tar on the lower handle and Rawlings logo. The model number, order number “584” and year “98” are stamped into the knob. The weight “32” and player name “McGwire” are written on the knob in red ink. This bat is photo-matched to home run #49 on August 19th in Chicago as well as August 20th in New York when the bat was cracked and taken out of play. This lot is accompanied by a video clip showing McGwire handing this bat to a young fan in the crowd and her priceless interview afterwards. This is the best fully documented McGwire bat from his historic 1998 season. Accompanied by a LOA from PSA/DNA grading the bat a GU 10 and a Photo-Match.com LOA confirming the match.