This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/18/2014
In the 1950's--and indeed for many decades hence--sportswriters and historians became constitutionally incapable of referring to Vic Power without use of the adjective "flashy." Careful database searches reveal not one instance of this journalistic anomaly ever taking place, not even here. Even a cursory check of the record shows there was much more here than simple flash. In 1954, Power was signed by the Philadelphia Athletics and thus became the first Puerto Rican to play for that team. The Athletics moved to Kansas City in 1955, where he finished second in the batting title race that season. Power won seven consecutive Gold Glove Awards from the the time the award was first introduced in 1958 to 1964. He made the American League All-Star team with the Kansas City Athletics in 1955 and 1956 and the Cleveland Indians in 1959 and 1960. He shares the record of making two unassisted double plays in one game, and he is one of 11 players to steal home twice in one game, all elements in a standout career for the six-time All-Star that reads as follows: 1,716 hits and 126 home runs, with just 247 K's in 6,046 at bats.
As noted, the jersey hails from the Athletics’ inaugural season in Kansas City in 1955. The cream wool flannel retains radiant coloring in its base material and red/midnight navy felt identifiers. The seven-button front is original, as is the chenille stitched 'Elephant on Baseball' felt-based sleeve patch. A Size 44 Wilson label is sewn to back of the collar; 'Set 1 - 1955 Power' is stitched in midnight navy on the front left tail. There is just a bit of separation in the stitching of Power's No. 7 on the uniform's back. The shirt shows good game usage and is otherwise problem-free. The slick-fielding first baseman has added a handsome black marker autograph on the shirt's left front beneath the script 'Athletics' lettering.
Includes a Letter of Provenance from The Newport Sports Museum.
Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.