This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/26/2015
The 2011 HBO documentary "The Curious Case of Curt Flood" rekindled widespread interest in this complicated superstar, best remembered for his brave yet ultimately self-destructive challenge to Major League Baseball's reserve clause. A devoted fan of Jackie Robinson, Flood followed in his idol's footsteps in helping to pioneer a fundamental change to the status quo that would ultimately redirect millions of dollars from owners to the players. Presented here is a rare and enormously desirable home white flannel jersey dating to Flood's sixth full season in the majors, one in which he topped the 200-hit plateau for the first time and also scooped up the first of seven Gold Gloves for his masterful work in center field. In every regard, the jersey is found to be 100 percent original and authentic, exhibiting wear from Flood, and yet the classic birds and bat chenille logo on the chest and the red and navy felt number "21" on the front and back remain in nothing short of sensational condition. Flood's name appears across the top of the back in the same red and navy felt and in the same sterling shape. Proper "Rawlings Size 40 label appears at lower left front tail, above a red "Flood 63" embroidered directly into the jersey body. At the interior tail we find a washing instructions label sprouting a "Set 1 1963" flap tag. This is truly a magnificent gamer from one of the most important figures in the game in the postwar era.
Includes a LOA from MEARS (Grade A10).