Description

Now this is what game-used memorabilia is supposed to look like. This Old Hickory professional-model bat was used by Christian Encarnacion-Strand — better known to Reds and Bats fans simply as “CES” — and it carries plenty of evidence that it actually went to work.

The barrel is stamped “CHRISTIAN ENCARNACION-STRAND” along with “33.5 PRO BIRCH CES1,” identifying it as his personal Old Hickory player model. The bat shows heavy game use throughout, including ball marks, surface wear, a well-worn handle, and significant pine-tar-style residue around the grip. This one definitely did not spend its life posing for pictures.

Encarnacion-Strand came to Cincinnati in the 2022 trade that sent Tyler Mahle to Minnesota, joining Spencer Steer as one of the key pieces headed to the Reds. He reached Triple-A Louisville in 2023 before making his Major League debut that July, then immediately flashed the power that had made him one of Cincinnati’s most exciting young hitters, belting 13 home runs in just 63 games as a rookie. MLB.com

CES continued to spend time with Louisville during later rehab and Triple-A assignments. He opened 2026 with the Bats before Cincinnati traded him to the Baltimore Orioles organization in April, making this bat a tangible piece from his Reds and Louisville chapter. MLB.com

Certified authentic as game-used by the Louisville Bats.

Game-used bats have a personality all their own, and this one has clearly seen some pitches. For Louisville Bats collectors, Reds fans, CES followers, or anyone who believes baseball memorabilia should come with a few battle scars, this is a fantastic piece to swing for.

About Playing it Forward 502

About Playing It Forward 502: Playing It Forward 502 is a Louisville-area nonprofit that uses sports, community partnerships, and charitable events to create opportunities and give back to local families and organizations. Learn more at https://playitforward502.org.

Condition

Please note all items are "as-is where-is"

Terms and Conditions

1. All items are sold where is, as is.

2. Once payment is completed for item(s) won, the ability to schedule a pick-up time will become available. Scheduling a pick-up time is required. 

3. There will be a $20 fee assessed per item not picked up at that time that will be collected prior to bidding again at our auctions. Unlike retail, we do not have the option to store your item. If the item is larger than a standard suitcase (22" x 14" x 10"), we will charge $50 to the card on file per item to move the item.

4. Please plan accordingly as items not picked up are considered "abandoned". Do not bid if you can't pick up.

5. You are responsible for ensuring you collect all items at pickup.

6. Legacy uses "Popcorn" or "Extended" bidding. This means if a bid comes in at the last second, it is extended 3 minutes. This is like a live auctioneer saying, "going once" to ensure all bids are exhausted prior to closing.

7. We charge a 5% flat buyers premium on all charity items to cover credit card and operational costs.

8. We do not charge tax on 501c charity auctions.  All proceeds from the auction will go to Playing it forward 502. https://playitforward502.org

9. You must bring help to pickup any items. We can recommend movers upon request. Also, please bring tools for items that require disassembly.

10. Please read our complete terms and conditions for additional details.