We continue with this study of Roberto Clemente Louisville Slugger model bats up to and including the bat sent to the Hall of Fame after his tragic and sudden death.
1966
The first order in 1966 was sent on Jan 3 and was a typical U1 order with Wide Grain and Marked Weights on knob also listed. Only the U1 and G105 models were shipped this year, only 36” bats with listed weights from 35-38 oz. Special notations in 1966 include
“No Red Wood, Widest Grain Always, No Soft Wood, Reg. B.P. Finish Always, per case, F.J.R. 3-2-66”
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Also, One order 6-28-99, Special Finish (Starlac-No-Wax) 9 bats.
All Star order; 7-7-66- U1, 36”, 37 oz A2 (two ash bats)
U1 – 117
G105 – 50
Total bats shipped 1966: 167
1967
1967 again saw Clemente only using the U1 and G105 models. Lengths again were all 36” and weights ran from 35-38 oz. Special notations include (check handles for size; 5-2-67)
All Star order, 7-7-67 U1, 36”-38oz. A2 Wide Grain, Mark Weights.
U1 – 103
G105 – 38
Total bats shipped 1967: 142
1968
There are no special notations for the 1968 shipping orders besides typical Wide Grain, Mark Weights. All orders were again the model U1 and G105, 35-36 3/4”, 32-39 oz. This is one of the widest spreads of listed weights we see for Clemente. (6) 32 oz. bats, (6) 33 oz. bats, (1) 35 oz. bats, rest of orders 37-39 oz. There is no special notation for All Star marked bats.
U1 – 101
G105 – 47
Total bats shipped in 1968: 148
1969
Again, no special notations for 1969 shipping records besides typical Wide Grain, Mark Weights. For the fourth straight season, only the same two models ordered, the U1 and G105. Lengths were all 36” and weights range from 36-39 oz. All Star shipment listed 7-18-69- U1 36”-38 oz. A2.
U1 – 69
G105 – 40
Total bats shipped in 1969: 109
1970
Again, no special notations for the 1970 shipping records besides typical Wide Grain, Mark Weights. The fifth straight season with same two models ordered, the U1 and G105. Lengths were 35-36”. Weights were 34-38 oz. (18) 34 oz bats, rest were 37-38 oz. All Star shipment listed 7-13-70 U1 36”-38 oz. A2.
U1 – 63
G105 – 61
Total bats shipped in 1970: 124
1971
Special notations for season are; 3-17-71 for J. Ortiz 36”- 34.5-35 oz. A6. There were two orders, 3 each, sent same day model G105. All Star shipment 7-12-71 G105 and U1 36”-38 oz. A1 (1 bat each model) and World Series shipment 10-4-71 G105 and U1 36”-37 oz. A1 (1 bat each model) 1971 also introduces a new model to Clemente, the model P100 with two bats sent on 12-14-71, one hickory finish, one standard, both 36”-37 oz.
U1 – 61
G105 – 69
P100 – 2
Total bats shipped in 1971: 132
1972
The last year, in which Clemente played, there is a notation that states 12-12-72 Made New Model C276 yet there is no mention of any of these models being shipping. All noted models are again the U1 and G105.
U1 – 83
G105 – 20
Total bats shipped in 1972: 103
1973
The last recorded bat is listed as shipped on 4-2-73 U1 Hall of Fame 36” no weight listed A1.
Total bats shipped from 1966 thru 1973: 926 bats including the last one shipped to Hall of Fame.