A bespectacled Dom DiMaggio, nicknamed “The Little Professor” by virtue of the eyeglasses he wore for every game, played his entire 11-year MLB career with the Boston Red Sox starting in 1940. He is the younger brother of Yankees’ icon Joe DiMaggio as well as Vince DiMaggio who played 10 years in the major leagues. After breaking into the minor leagues in 1937 with the San Francisco Seals of the Pacific Coast League, Dom DiMaggio's contract was purchased by the Red Sox following a 1939 season in which he batted .361. In his rookie season of 1940, playing center field for the Red Sox, he hit .301 to become part of a .300-hitting outfield with Ted Williams and Doc Cramer. In both 1941 and ‘42 he scored over 100 runs to finish third in the American League, and was among the league's top ten players in doubles and steals. He was named an All-Star both years.
This lot features DiMaggio’s game-worn Boston Red Sox road jersey from the ’41 campaign, the same season in which his brother Joe batted safely in 56 consecutive games and his teammate, Ted Williams, batted .406. The Spalding gray jersey, size 44, includes A.G. Spalding & Bros. and Tim McAuliffe manufacturers' tags affixed to the inside of the rear collar, as well as his name (“D DiMaggio”) chain-stitched in red. Sewn across the front of the jersey are the letters spelling “BOSTON” in navy blue felt with the same application applied to his uniform number (“7”) on the reverse. On the inside rear tail of the jersey is a sewn-on white tag reading “44” to indicate the size, which is positioned just beneath red chain-stitching that reads “41” to reflect the season. Given its age, the heavy flannel jersey is in remarkable condition, showing game usage with minor soiling. A small, one-inch tear exists on the rear tail of the jersey, while two small moth holes are present on the right breast. Other than that. The jersey has been impeccably preserved.
Includes a Letter of Authenticity from MEARS (A9).