6/6/1998 Ken Griffey Jr. Seattle Mariners Game-Used & Autographed Home Run Bat

Ken Griffey Jr.’s 1998 Home Run Bat: A Piece of Baseball History

An Iconic Moment in Baseball

On the memorable day of June 6th, 1998, the baseball world witnessed a remarkable feat by the legendary Ken Griffey Jr. As a first ballot National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, Griffey Jr. showcased his prowess by hitting his 23rd home run of the season against the Los Angeles Dodgers. This achievement was part of a stellar season where Griffey led the American League in home runs, a feat he accomplished four times during his illustrious career. His exceptional performance that year also earned him the prestigious Silver Slugger and Gold Glove Awards, alongside a victory in the Home Run Derby. Furthermore, Griffey was honored by being named to the MLB All-Century Team.

The Bat: A Testament to Greatness

The bat used by Ken Griffey Jr. during this iconic moment is a remarkable piece of baseball memorabilia. Manufactured by H&B, this C271 model bat measures 33 ½ inches in length and weighs 29.8 ounces. Crafted from ash wood with a sleek black finish, the bat is a testament to Griffey’s exceptional career. The labeling period of the bat is 1998, and it bears the marks of heavy game-use, including ball and hit marks on various parts of the barrel, as well as blue and white ball transfer marks. The presence of cleat marks and heavy pine tar on the handle further attest to its extensive use.

Unique Features and Provenance

• Condition: The bat is cracked on the handle, a common occurrence in heavily used game bats.
• Signature: Griffey Jr. has signed the front barrel in silver pen, adding the inscription “98 – HR 23,” which in our opinion, rates a 7 overall.
• Use Attributes: The bat exhibits atypical Griffey Jr. use attributes, possibly due to use by Alex Rodriguez.
• Authentication: The knob features a PSA/DNA sticker “1B11637,” and the bat is accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from JSA, PSA/DNA, and a signed Griffey Jr. Certificate of Authenticity (COA).

A Coveted Collectible

This bat is not just a piece of wood; it is a fragment of baseball history, representing the extraordinary achievements of Ken Griffey Jr. during the 1998 season. As a part of our sports memorabilia auctions, this bat offers collectors a rare opportunity to own a piece of the legacy of one of baseball’s greatest players. The combination of its historical significance, unique features, and authenticated provenance makes it a highly desirable item for any baseball collection.

For those interested in acquiring this exceptional artifact, it is available through our MLB auctions, where it stands as a testament to the enduring impact of Ken Griffey Jr. on the sport of baseball.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.