I can’t speak to modern times, signing players and whether or not they supply bats for free, or if the teams buy them. However, in the 1960’s players were approached in their first spring and asked to sign with Louisville Slugger in return for a set of golf clubs made by them or 125 dollars. When you ordered bats, you could get your name on them, but you paid for them. I am not sure if and when that changed and if it was different once you made the majors or if you were a star but I believe it was a one time thing whether you made it or not. It would not surprise me if it were vastly different today. . I think it likely that there was a difference in the procedures, pre and post about 1980 or so. No, I do not know this because I did it. I know it because several teammates did do it and I have seen the contracts they signed. They took the money by the way.
|