This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/18/2014
By 1964, the fireballing Bob Gibson had already established himself as a mainstay in the St. Louis Cardinals rotation after becoming a full-time starting pitcher in July 1961. He earned the first of what would ultimately be nine All-Star selections in 1962 and by 1964 would be one of the most feared hurlers in the league. Two World Series wins in 1964 and three more in 1967 punctuate a fabled career that spanned 17 seasons and Hall of Fame totals of 251 wins, 3,117 strikeouts, and a 2.91 ERA. He won two Cy Young Awards and the 1968 National League Most Valuable Player Award in producing a season that left rival fans and bewildered hitters shaking their heads in dismay. Some credit Gibson as being primarily responsible for Major League Baseball lowering the pitching mound the following season. Presented here is a simply sensational jersey that ranks among the finest Gibson worn garments ever offered publicly. Remaining in superior condition, it shows an ideal degree of game use. The pristine black-and-red felt letters and numbers front and back are perfect, as is the elegant chenille Cardinals two-bird logo above the cursive "Cardinals" on the front. The jersey carries the red Rawlings Size 42 tag on the front-left tail; the cleaning tag is at the bottom of the tail on the inside and there is a small adjacent flag tag with "Set 1 1964." Below the Rawlings tag on the front is "Gibson 64" in red stitching. The Hall of Famer has added a striking blue Sharpie autograph to the front of the shirt across from his number, adding the inscription, "To the Hartels, Best Wishes." Completely original Gibson flannels are notably rare, with few rivaling this one with regard to condition, year and overall aesthetic quality.
Includes a LOA from MEARS (Grade A10).
Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.