There are alot of people out there selling game used bats signed by stars or promising rookies. One of the problems with buying these items is that it can be difficult to know if it is actually game used. here are some tips to a bats authenticity.

1. The first and easiest way to verify if it is real in my opinion is to look at the handle. I have seen tons of bats for sale that state that they are game used but the problem is that the handles show no pine tar and/or tape. There is usually a player # on the knob of the handle.They use player #'s on the knob so a player can identify his bat  before heading up to bat. No minor or major league player is going to bat in a game with nothing on the handle. It should also have good wear players usually use a bat until it cracks. The bat is not going to look like a bat you just bought from a sporting goods store.

2. The second problem is to be aware of wording.  A game model is totally different from game used. You can pick up a game model at a large sporting goods store for around $30. Who is it game used by? ( Me and my brother used it in the park the other day) or is it a minor leaguers bat signed by griffey. You only have a bat signed by griffey not a game used griffey bat.

3. Minor leaguers dont usually have their name on their bat. It usually only states the model # and a player #on the handle.

4. Look at  everything. Look at past auctions first. See what that players game used bat goes for. Make sure the model  and model #'s match. Look where the pine tar is placed on the handle and how much is used. How is the tape wrapped. For example Griffey jr. uses a distinct  8 pattern on all of his bats.