Presented here is an incredibly early 1943-44 Hollywood Stars home flannel sported by longtime Cubs ace Charlie Root when he served as player-manager for the iconic PCL club in 1944. From the 1930s to the mid-50s the Pacific Coast League (AAA) was widely regarded as the “third” major league (after the AL and NL), providing a high level of play garnished by the blaze of Hollywood celebrities in the stands when the Stars or Angels hosted their games at Wrigley Field in South L.A. The Dodgers’ cross-country move from Brooklyn in 1957 essentially kicked the “Twinks” out of Tinseltown, leading to the team’s move to Utah where they became the much less-heralded Salt Lake City Bees.
One of the NL’s top pitchers of the 1920s and 30s, Root played his entire 17-year big-league career in Chicago and remains the Cubbies’ all-time leader in wins with 201. Though, he is best remembered for giving up Babe Ruth’s fabled “Called Shot” in the 1932 World Series, which Root denied until his dying day – claiming the Bambino did not point his bat towards the bleachers; rather, he held it up to imply there was one strike left in the count. However it went down, it gave Root a level of infamy that will forever merit mention in the history books. Root continued his playing career in the PCL with the Hollywood Stars beginning in 1942, adding “manager” to his duties in 1943. He wasn't too shabby either at age 44 and 45, combining to go 18-10 with a 3.12 ERA. Worn by such a notable big leaguer during the gloomy times of World War II, this Stars gamer easily ranks as one of the finer examples to surface.
The cream-colored, heavy wool garment has the Stars' popular logo sewn on the left chest in red-on-blue felt. Root’s uniform number “17” appears on the back in the same format, its blue border showing slight separation. There is red trim around the collar running down each side of the zipper front. The sleeves have red piping near the ends and there are six intended holes (as tailored) under each arm to facilitate ventilation. Wilson size “44” manufacturer’s tagging is found inside the rear collar. “Chas Root 1944” is lightly penned at the edge of the front shirttail. The all-original jersey displays heavy wear with significant fraying, pilling, spot staining and several small holes and rips scattered throughout. It was sourced from the esteemed Dick Dobbins Collection (the "mother" of all PCL collections) over two decades ago and has remained with the same owner ever since.