Significant game-used official Hillerich & Bradsby Louisville Slugger 'Pete Rose' signature-model R195 baseball bat, 35 inches and 32 ounces, signed and certified on the barrel in silver ink, "Game Used to Break Honus Wagner's Singles Record, Pete Rose"; also signed and inscribed above, "A great fan, Pete Rose." The uncracked bat is made of top-quality dark-stained white ash with all of the barrel stampings deep and defined. Factory records indicate that this particular model was a favorite of Rose's, as he ordered 35-inch, 32-ounce Louisville Slugger R195 bats throughout the entire 1977-1979 period. In fine condition, exhibiting moderate use including ball and lace marks.
On August 5, 1979, Pete Rose hit his 2,427th single to surpass Honus Wagner's National League record. Three days later, the Philadelphia Phillies held a ceremony to present him with a plaque displaying the bat, ball, and first base bag that were involved in the milestone. Rose continued to use the bat, however, and planned to send it to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. In an incident in Houston on the night of August 17th, he accidentally lost the bat into the stands on a swing. The Associated Press reported: "It was a frustrating night for Rose. He went 0-for-4 and watched his favorite bat slip out of his hands on a third strike in the seventh inning and fly into the stands down the right field line. No one was injured, but a woman in the stands kept the bat, rejecting efforts by Astros officials to exchange it…Rose was indignant at suggestions that he let the bat go on purpose, and he was even more miffed by what he said was selfishness on the woman's part. 'The bat just slipped out of my hands,' Rose said. 'I've batted 11,000 times and it's the first time that ever happened. I broke Honus Wagner's all-time singles record with that bat last week, and I was going to send it to the Hall of Fame.'" Rose evidently forgave the fan, later inscribing the bat with a proud confirmation of his milestone moment.
