1980–83 Jim Rice Game-Used & Signed Louisville Slugger Bat – MEARS A9.5 – JSA LOA In Progress (Greenshields Collection)

Exceptional Jim Rice game-used and signed Louisville Slugger professional model baseball bat dating to the 1980–1983 period of the Boston Red Sox slugger’s Hall of Fame career.

The bat has been professionally authenticated and graded by MEARS (Memorabilia Evaluation & Research Services), earning an outstanding final grade of A9.5 with certification number 323816. According to the accompanying MEARS Letter of Opinion, the bat exhibits exceptional player use characteristics consistent with Rice’s documented professional gamers from the era.

MEARS notes include:
Heavy game use
Heavy ball marks across the barrel
Strong grain scoring
Heavy pine tar application
Factory records match
Uncracked handle
Professional player traits consistent with Jim Rice’s documented use characteristics
Louisville Slugger R206 professional model
35 inches / 31 ounces
Flame-treated ash finish

The grading breakdown awarded the bat additional points for heavy use and player characteristics, resulting in the exceptional final A9.5 designation.

The bat has been signed by Jim Rice along the barrel, adding excellent display appeal to an already premium game-used example.

The autograph was submitted to James Spence Authentication (JSA) during the 2026 Montreal Expo and has successfully passed authentication. The official JSA Full Letter of Authenticity (LOA) is currently being processed and will be provided to the winning bidder once received.

A dominant offensive force of the late 1970s and early 1980s, Rice was one of baseball’s premier power hitters during his era. The 1978 American League MVP, eight-time All-Star, Silver Slugger Award winner, and National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee remains one of the most celebrated players in Boston Red Sox history.

High-grade authenticated game-used bats from Rice’s playing career are increasingly desirable among collectors, particularly signed examples exhibiting exceptional documented use characteristics and accompanied by respected third-party authentication.

Authentication & Provenance
MEARS Letter of Opinion – Final Grade: A9.5
MEARS Certification Number: 323816
James Spence Authentication (JSA) – Autograph Passed Authentication
Full Letter of Authenticity (LOA) in progress and will be shipped to winning bidder

This piece originates from the esteemed Greenshields Collection, a significant and carefully assembled lifetime baseball memorabilia collection built over decades. The collection features signed memorabilia, game-used equipment, and historic baseball collectibles, with items noted for their quality, consistency, and strong collector appeal.

Condition
The bat displays exceptional professional game use throughout, including heavy ball marks, extensive surface wear, grain scoring, pine tar residue, rack wear, and handling wear consistent with prolonged Major League use. The handle remains uncracked. The autograph remains visible and displays well along the barrel. Overall presentation is outstanding, with strong collector appeal befitting a premium high-grade Jim Rice gamer.

Details
Player: Jim Rice
Team: Boston Red Sox
Manufacturer: Hillerich & Bradsby Louisville Slugger
Model: R206
Length: 35"
Weight: 31 oz
Era: 1980–1983
Wood: Ash
Finish: Flame Treated
Game Use Authentication: MEARS A9.5
MEARS Certification Number: 323816
Autograph Authentication: JSA Passed Authentication – Full LOA In Progress
Provenance: Greenshields Collection