1998 Mark McGwire St. Louis Cardinals Game-Used Home Run Bat

The Legendary Bat of Mark McGwire’s 49th Home Run in 1998

A Historic Season in Baseball

In the annals of baseball history, the 1998 MLB season stands out as a monumental year, largely due to the electrifying home run chase that captivated the nation. At the heart of this thrilling pursuit was Mark McGwire, who shattered records and captured imaginations by setting a then-major league single-season home run record of 70. Among the artifacts from this unforgettable season is the bat McGwire wielded to hit his 49th home run, a piece of baseball memorabilia that embodies the spirit of that historic summer.

The Bat’s Remarkable Journey

This Rawlings bat, model number MAC25, is a testament to McGwire’s prowess and the drama of the 1998 season. Measuring 34.5 inches in length and weighing 32.5 ounces, this ash wood bat features a natural finish and was used during a pivotal moment in a game against the Chicago Cubs. In the 10th inning of a 6-6 tie, McGwire launched a ball off pitcher Terry Mulholland, securing the lead and etching his name further into the record books.

Evidence of Use and Provenance

The bat shows evidence of outstanding use, with a handle crack and numerous ball marks and stitch impressions visible on the left and back barrel. A heavy coat of pine tar adorns the lower handle and Rawlings logo, attesting to its extensive use. The model number, order number “584,” and year “98” are stamped into the knob, while the weight “32” and McGwire’s name are inscribed in red ink. This bat is photo-matched to home run #49 on August 19th in Chicago and was later cracked and taken out of play on August 20th in New York.

• Manufacturer: Rawlings
• Model Number: MAC25
• Length: 34.5 inches
• Weight: 32.5 ounces
• Wood: Ash
• Labeling Period: 1998
• Finish: Natural

A Piece of Baseball History

Accompanying this extraordinary bat is a video clip capturing the moment McGwire handed it to a young fan in the crowd, followed by her priceless interview. This bat is not only the best fully documented McGwire bat from his historic 1998 season but also a cherished piece of baseball history. It comes with a Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from PSA/DNA, grading the bat a GU 10, and a Photo-Match.com LOA confirming the match.

For those interested in acquiring a piece of this legendary season, this bat represents an unparalleled opportunity. It is a symbol of McGwire’s incredible achievement and the excitement that defined the 1998 MLB season. Explore more about such iconic items in our sports memorabilia auctions and discover the stories behind these remarkable artifacts. If you have your own piece of history, consider our consignment services to share it with the world, or learn more about how we appraise baseball memorabilia.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.