Fascinating Babe Ruth replica H&B model R43 bat was made during the 1998 home run chase for both Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa to take some swings with in practice. Originally, the plan was for an article comparing their bats to the one Ruth used to hit 60 homers in 1927, but both felt that it could throw off their swings up if they tried to hit with this bat so they both declined after feeling the 35.5" bat and its amazing 38.5 ounce heft. Retired slugger Dave Parker was a coach with the Cardinals at the time and did hit some balls with it, thus, the use on the barrel; Parker also had McGwire and Sosa sign the bat, both being around 8/10 in black Sharpie. Great as both a conversation and a display piece.