Promotional Baseball Bat Appraisal

Autographed Louisville Slugger Promotional Baseball Bat

This is a full-length, natural-finish wooden baseball bat manufactured by Hillerich & Bradsby under the 'Louisville Slugger' 125 brand. The item is a promotional piece featuring a prominent black stamped 'Chevron' company logo alongside the traditional oval Louisville Slugger branding. The bat is constructed from ash wood, displaying a clear, vertical grain pattern characteristic of professional-grade manufacturing. Notably, the barrel features multiple black felt-tip marker signatures, including the legible autograph of Major League Baseball legend Johnny Bench, positioned vertically next to the Chevron logo. The bat appears to be in very good vintage condition, exhibiting a light honey-colored patina on the wood surface without significant dents, chips, or checking. There are some minor surface scuffs and small dark spots near the handle area consistent with age and storage rather than game use. The craftsmanship is typical of 20th-century H&B promotional items, with clear, deep brand stampings. Based on the branding style and the promotional collaboration with Chevron, this item likely dates back to the 1970s or 1980s, era-appropriate for the athlete's peak fame and corporate partnership trends.