Vintage or Modern Louisville Slugger Baseball Bat Phillies

Hi folks,

I am trying to figure out the exact age of this bat and the value. I haven't found any examples online, so I can use all the help I can get.

Here's what I've pieced together so far:

The knob:

I believe the bat would be post 1976 because of the # 4 on the knob. That number also signifies that the bat is 34".


The barrel:

The label:

The bat's oval label appears to be in the style of 1980-2012. I think it's 1983-89, but the oval measures 3.75", not 3.5" as suggested in guides. The catalogue # appears to be 180. Since "John Bunting" is in cursive script, not block lettering, the bat should be a "signature model series." Hence, the manufacturer could have produced it for public sale, colleges, minor league teams, or other venues under the "endorsement contract."

Past the label on the barrel, one can find "Powerized." It's faded and I don't see the trademark over the d," but given where the lightening bolt is, it appears to confirm that the bat was made no earlier than 1973.


Getting back to John Bunting, I'm scratching my head because he was a civic leader and bank exec in Philadelphia, PA, USA, who passed a few years ago at 94, not an MVP player. There was a Jim Bunting who pitched for the Phils, but the name on the bat is clearly "John."

Maybe the title "Most Valuable Player" was to honor John for a civic accomplishment or because of a financial contribution made to the franchise . . .

At this point, I'm thinking it was a "fans giveaway promotional bat" honoring John. If so, it would have been issued on a certain game day or night to specific fans (maybe the first few thousand or kids under 14) at the old Veteran's Stadium, or later at Citizens Bank Park. Odd, though, that there aren't more online if it was a stadium promo.


That's about all I've got for now. Does anyone recognize this bat?
Thanks!

 

All I saw was the "inspector" in the first shot. (can you tell I was raised by cats or what?)