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1985-86 Wally Backman New York Mets Game Used Bat - Championship Era
Offered is the opportunity to possess a 1985-86 Wally Backman New York Mets game used bat. Backman played 13 seasons in the Major Leagues, including stints with Philadelphia, Minnesota, Pittsburgh and Seattle, but he is most remembered for his first eight seasons (1980-87), his time with the Mets. A switch-hitter, Backman hit better against right-handed pitchers than he did against left-handers, and he was often platooned. He started his minor league career as a shortstop, but he struggled defensively, and a torn rotator cuff hampered his play even more. He was switched to second base, and he rose through the Mets' minor league system. Backman hit .275 lifetime, and his good speed enabled him to steal 117 bases. The highlight of Backman's playing career came in the 1986 season when the Mets became World Champions. Backman hit .320 and stole 13 bases that season, and his fiery play on the field was emblematic of those '86 Mets - hard-charging and taking no prisoners. Backman, a native Oregonian, praises his parents for his competitive spirit. "I was raised to win," said Wally. "I credit my parents for that." One of the best parts of this offering is that Backman's bat is absolutely fitting of his playing style. Backman was always hustling, diving in the dirt for grounders, sliding hard into bases, etc., and his uniform was often the dirtiest on the field after a game. The offered bat goes hand in hand with Backman's style because the bat exhibits great use. The brown Louisville Slugger bat has "Genuine R16 Louisville Backman Slugger" stamped on the barrel. It is 33.5" long and has a weighs 30.1 ounces. The bottom of the knob and the inside of the hollow barrel top both have "6," Backman's number, written in marker, and the barrel end is hollowed out. There is wood separation on the center barrel. Pine tar is on the handle, and the barrel shows amazing use, with ball marks, nicks, and scratches. In recent years, Backman has put a number of legal issues behind him, and he has been successfully managing teams in independent leagues. The game used bat from 1985-86 makes a great remembrance of Wally Backman, a player who hustling play helped to make the 1986 Mets the World Champions.
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