With cornerstone stars Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, Tony Perez and Gary Nolan on hand, the “Big Red Machine” was in development in the late-1960s. While the Cincinnati Reds would add many other great players, and become a dominant dynasty in the 1970s, Rose was already established as one of the game’s best hitters, having won his first NL batting crown in 1968. If you were around back then and witnessed his incredible will to win, you know just how great a player Rose was.



Imagine holding one of the bats the "Hit King" used to amass some of his all-time record 4,256 career hits, and then make it happen by winning the Pete Rose autographed game-used bat offered here. From the labeling period 1965-1968, this bat is a Louisville Slugger model S2, with vital statistics of 36” in length and a weight of 32.7 ounces. Providing a game-used grade of GU 8, the accompanying LOA describes the authentic use/wear as outstanding, with checking from repeated ball contact, numerous contact marks, ball stitch impressions, and red bat rack streaks around the barrel, a 5.5 x 5/8” piece missing from the back barrel, and a light coat of pine tar on the handle. The model number S2 is emblazoned into the knob, and the barrel is autographed by Rose (“8”) on the barrel, below the area where his facsimile signature is burned in. Swing away for this exciting relic from the historic career of one of baseball's most iconic stars.



Full LOA from John Taube-PSA/DNA for game use. Auction LOA from James Spence-JSA for the autograph. Opening Bid $1,500.