Spring Premier Auction 2014

Finding a blazing condition 1950's Pirates vest-style jersey would be treat enough, but the ante goes up with the realization that this beauty was worn by three-time All-Star Elroy Face, an early relief ace who led the league in Saves three times en route to a lifetime total of 193 and a 104-95 record. Face was a practitioner of the art at a time when starting pitchers were widely expected to finish the game unless their arms were falling off or they were getting severely pasted, sometimes both. The strategy and tactics surrounding relief pitching would evolve dramatically over the next half century, but back when the metamorphosis was at the ground floor, Elroy Face was one of the pioneers. The “Pirates” in olde English font appears across the chest in the clubs distinctive black-on-gold felt, the same configuration as Face's No. 26 on the back. The expected MacGregor Size 40 manufacturer’s label appears on the back of the collar and small flag tag noting "Set 1 1959" turns up on the inside of the right front near the bottom of the button path. The delicate black and gold piping around the arm pits and collar remain in standout condition, The all-original garment shows game use but is essentially problem free.