Description
Sam Bat model 161 was likely used by Pete Harnisch with the Cincinnati Reds in 1998. The bat shows tremendous use with a secured handle crack. Many ball marks, seam impressions, and ink transfers are visible on the front, right, left, and back barrel surfaces. The handle has a light coat of pine tar and a secured handle crack. The knob has only the Sam Bat maple leaf sticker. Barrel end has typical factory markings of the length (35), weight (32 oz), date of production (19 02 98), and model number (R161).
Sam Bats were approved for major league use in February of 1998 which coincides with the production date of this bat. While not nameplated to any player specifically, Harnisch has autographed the bat in the exact spot where a player name would appear. It is quite likely that Harnisch used the bat in spring training as a “try out” as maple bats at that time were certainly out of the ordinary.
