A $5,000 reward is now being offered for information leading to the return of a valuable game used bat stolen during this year’s National Sports Collectors Convention in 
Baltimore.
The circa-1930s Mel Ott bat belonged to collector Scott Foraker, who had dropped it off for grading at the booth of JT Sports’ John Taube, PSA’s bat authenticator during the August 1-5 show at the Baltimore Convention Center. Foraker had just purchased the bat for $48,300 weeks earlier at Hunt Auctions’ 2012 All-Star game auction in Kansas City.
The bat is a Louisville Slugger 125 model, measuring 35” long and weighing 33.2 oz. It shows ball marks, stitching impressions and handle scoring. A crack in the handle has been restored.
Hillerich & Bradsby manufacturing stampings and Ott’s stamped signature impression on the barrel is strong.
If you have any information to offer, contact JT Sports either by email (jtbats@aol.com) or by calling his office (609-487-8003).