Vintage Louisville Slugger 102 USN NRTC Reno Navy Softball Bat 36\" Military For Sale

Vintage Louisville Slugger 102 wood bat by Hillerich & Bradsby Co., measuring approximately 36\" long. This is an older U.S. Navy / military recreational softball or baseball bat with numerous hand-carved and scratched markings throughout the wood.

The maker marking is significant because Hillerich & Bradsby Co. is the company behind Louisville Slugger bats, so both names are relevant and should be noted. The bat is marked Louisville Slugger 102 and also bears the Hillerich & Bradsby Co. maker information, adding to its collectibility as both a vintage sporting goods item and a military/base recreation piece.

The bat is also marked “USN,” indicating United States Navy, and has visible “NRTC Reno” markings. NRTC most likely refers to Naval Reserve Training Center, with “Reno” indicating a Reno, Nevada Naval Reserve/Training Center association. The U.S. Naval Reserve was established in 1915, and Naval Reserve Training Centers served as local facilities for reserve training, administration, and unit activities. This bat likely relates to recreational or intramural softball/baseball connected with that Navy Reserve setting.

Additional visible hand markings appear to include “Softball,” “NRTC Reno.\" Some inscriptions are faint or difficult to fully read due to age, darkening, finish wear, handling, and natural wood grain.

Condition is well-used and aged, with heavy surface wear, scratches, dents, scuffs, darkened areas, finish loss, handling wear, and patina throughout. The handle has an older black tape/wrap grip, and the knob/end shows age-related wear. Exact date is unknown, but the overall appearance and military recreation markings suggest a mid-20th-century piece, possibly 1940s–1950s.

A very interesting display item for collectors of Louisville Slugger bats, Hillerich & Bradsby sporting goods, U.S. Navy memorabilia, Navy Reserve items, vintage military sports equipment, softball/baseball history, or Reno/Nevada military-related artifacts. Please review all photos closely for exact markings, condition, and details. Sold as found/as shown.

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