Born into humble circumstances on February 5, 1934, in Mobile, Alabama, Henry Louis 'Hank' Aaron ascended the ranks of the Negro Leagues to become a major league baseball icon. Aaron played 23 years as an outfielder for the Milwaukee (later Atlanta) Braves and Milwaukee Brewers, during which time he broke many of baseball's most distinguished records, including being crowned baseball’s all-time Home Run King, a crown he wore nobly for more than two decades. Sheer ability, consistency and resilience were the earmarks of Hank Aaron's prolific career. For 20 consecutive seasons he totaled more than 20 home runs; 15 times topping the 30 homer mark, and eight times he walloped 40 or more home runs. As Aaron biographer Lonnie Wheeler wrote, "(Hank) Aaron's excellence was not expelled in blinding bursts of energy, but rather played out, patiently and inexorably, over a whole generation."
Presented here is Aaron’s 1968-69 Atlanta Braves game worn road jersey. Manufactured by Spalding, the grey flannel jersey bears "Spalding 40" tagging on the front left tail and a wash label with a "Set 1 1968" tag. On the inside collar of the jersey "44 40 68" appears in chain stitch. The "Braves" script lettering spans the chest in navy on red tackle twill. The jersey back bears the legendary number "44" and the embroidered Braves patch adorns the left sleeve. The opposite sleeve bears a 1969 MLB “100th Anniversary” patch. The addition of this patch indicates the jersey was carried over from 1968 into service in 1969 as well. In both seasons, Aaron posted predictably impressive numbers as he batted .287 with 174 hits and 28 home runs in ’68 and hit .300 with 164 hits and 44 home runs in ’69. Aaron appeared on the cover of the August 18th, 1969 issue of Sports Illustrated (shown here, not included) wearing a jersey similar to this one.
This is a simply perfect original jersey with no alterations, exhibiting ideal usage wear. An utterly fabulous piece of baseball memorabilia worn by one of the game’s most prolific legends.
LOA from MEARS (Graded A10).
Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.