This lot features a blonde Rawlings Big Stick 456GS pro model bat used by Joe Mauer during his 2005 rookie season with the Minnesota Twins. The bat measures 33 7/8" and weighs 31.5 oz, matching known factory records. It exhibits heavy game use with ball marks, deeply embedded ball stitch impressions, blue ink transfer marks and bat rack marks across the barrel. The handle remains uncracked, and the knob is factory stamped with model (456GS), year (2005), and batch (077). Mauer has signed the barrel in bold, black sharpie. Mauer was the 2006, 2008 and 2009 American League Batting Champion and also won the 2009 American League MVP Award. Highly coveted game used bat of this 2024 MLB Hall of Fame inductee used during his first full season in the big leagues. Joe had 107 at bats in 2004 but 2005 is considered his rookie season. Accompanied by a MEARS Letter of Authenticity for the game used portion of the bat as well as PSA/DNA Auction Letter of Authenticity for the Mauer autograph.