Professional Model Bat Grading Standards

PSA/DNA GU 10
In order to achieve the PSA/DNA GU 10 grade, a Professional Model Bat must be fully documented or possess extraordinary player characteristics, match available factory records and exhibit medium to heavy use. Slight cracks or minor repairs may be acceptable, provided they do not impair the visual quality of the bat. Vault marks or factory side writing are considered documentation under this grade. Team ordered and index bats may qualify, provided the model number and matching length and weight specifications, appear on the team record while the player was on the roster.

In cases where documentation is not included, if a bat possesses perfect player characteristics, exhibits medium to heavy use and satisfies all other criteria to achieve a grade of PSA/DNA GU 10, the authenticator, at his discretion, may award the highest grade. Under these circumstances, the bat must be exceptional on its own merit, absent documentation.

In addition, provenance has no bearing on player characteristics. In many cases, a bat possessing little or no player characteristics is accompanied by a letter of provenance that is defined as first party. A bat of this nature cannot be graded a "10" based on existing provenance since the bat cannot qualify on its own merit. The likelihood of game use is established by visible use and player characteristics, not documentation alone. Therefore, a bat can receive any numerical grade with or without provenance.

Note: Documentation must be first party. Team letters are acceptable.

PSA/DNA GU 9
A PSA/DNA GU 9 bat is one that exhibits very similar qualities to a PSA/DNA GU 10 bat. The bat in question must match available factory records, possess identifiable player characteristics and exhibit medium to heavy use. It may also be accompanied by some verifiable form of provenance but the existence of such documentation may or may not affect the overall grade. Slight cracks or minor repairs may be acceptable. Team ordered and index bats may qualify, provided the model number and matching length and weight specifications, appear on the team record while the player was on the roster.

PSA/DNA GU 8
A PSA/DNA GU 8 bat must match available factory records, possess identifiable player characteristics and exhibit at least medium use. Slight cracks or minor repairs may be acceptable. Team ordered and index bats may qualify, provided the model number and matching length and weight specifications, appear on the team record while the player was on the roster.

PSA/DNA GU 7
A PSA/DNA GU 7 bat must match available factory records, possess identifiable player characteristics and exhibit light to medium use. Slight cracks or minor repairs may be acceptable. Team ordered and index bats may qualify, provided the model number and matching length and weight specifications, appear on the team record while the player was on the roster.

PSA/DNA GU 6
A PSA/DNA GU 6 bat must match available factory records, possess identifiable player characteristics and exhibit at least light use. Slight cracks or minor repairs may be acceptable. Team ordered and index bats may qualify, provided the model number and matching length and weight specifications, appear on the team record while the player was on the roster. Bats used by two players, identified by the appearance of two numbers on the knob or identifiable player characteristics, will fall under this grade. In the event the bat can be identified as being used exclusively by a player other than the player whose name appears on the barrel, by virtue of exceptional player characteristics, it may qualify for a higher grade but not exceed GU 8.

Side written bats, where the player returning the bat cannot be determined, will fall under this grade.

PSA/DNA GU 5
A PSA/DNA GU 5 bat must match available factory records, possess identifiable player characteristics and will, most likely, exhibit no evidence of use. In essence, this is a game ready bat that did not see action. Team ordered and index bats may qualify, provided the model number and matching length and weight specifications; appear on the team record while the player was on the roster.

Additionally, this grade will apply to a bat that is deemed to be a professional model and exhibits evidence of use, but cannot be confirmed as being used by the player whose name appears on the barrel.

Note: Batting practice and coach era bats, identified by special notations or evidence of a taped barrel, will fall under this grade.

PSA/DNA GU 4
A PSA/DNA GU 4 bat must match available factory records but will exhibit no player characteristics and either inconsistent use or no evidence of use. Team ordered and index bats do not qualify under this grade. Bats used by another player other than the name of the player whose name appears on the barrel will also receive a grade no higher than PSA/DNA GU 4. A bat that falls under this grade may have a blacked
out knob or be unmarked and possess player characteristics that cannot be identified by the experts.

PSA/DNA GU 3
A PSA/DNA GU 3 bat is a professional model bat that does not match available factory records or team records. Player characteristics and amount of use have no impact under this grade.

If, however, the bat possesses perfect player use characteristics and/or provenance that in the opinion of the authenticator establishes use by the player, the bat can receive a higher grade not to exceed a PSA/DNA GU 8.

PSA/DNA GU 2
A PSA/DNA GU 2 bat is a bat that is subject to one or more serious flaws that hinder authenticity and/or eye appeal. The flaws in question may include but are not limited to the flaws mentioned in the PSA/DNA Professional Model Bat Guide.

PSA/DNA GU 1
A PSA/DNA GU 1 bat is an extremely poor bat that is subject to multiple, serious flaws that hinder authenticity and/or eye appeal. The flaws in question may include but are not limited to the flaws mentioned in the PSA/DNA Professional Model Bat Guide.

Important Note: Keep in mind that half points may either be awarded or deducted from the overall grade based on, but not limited to, the strength or weakness of player characteristics or overall eye appeal. For example, a Ted Williams Professional Model Bat may receive a grade of PSA/DNA GU 8.5 if the Williams use characteristics are evident to the experts but not quite strong enough to qualify for a PSA/DNA GU 9. In addition, visible damage to the finish such as fading, peeling or water damage may hinder the grade depending on the severity.