off topic bat question

[piaa_ump]

If you have a bat that has faded to grey and no original finish remains, by all means go ahead and sand it and refinish it.... I try and keep as much period look to a bat as possible...but if thats not possible I try and recreate it..

As far as trademarks and signatures are concerned, you can usually tell if they have been touched up. Most times someone has taken a "sharpie" and traced in the lines of the stamping...It will have a shine and a deep black finish that is illogical for the age of the bat...the trademark will stand out far more than it should.... It is a good tool to use if you have small flakes missing from letters or whole letter or two missing, but I dont reccomend using this method....just doesnt look period correct.

If I need to highlight a trademark or signatures, I do it with stain.....I sand the bat and apply a dark mahogany stain to the trademark and signature area, I immediately wipe off the excess leaving the stain in the recessed lines......let this dry completely and then finish the bat barrel.........this gives great results......

Try this on a cheap bat, before you tackle your 1965 store model Roger Maris bat......