This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/11/2018
Addendum: Please read new details regarding apparent photo-match and name change.
Classic 1970 Vida Blue Oakland A's home flannel jersey game-worn by the perhaps the franchise's most popular left-handed pitcher! After getting roughed up in his first Big League action over 42 innings in 1969, Blue was called up late in 1970 and showed he was more than ready to be a dominant starter for years to come. In just 6 starts, he went 2-0 including a one-hitter and a no-hitter in a 10-day, 3-start span. In 1971, he put together a spectacular 24-8 Cy Young Award winning season. Based on the fact that most players during this era only received one or two sets of home and away jerseys, it is possible that this home gamer is the same one he wore for his no-hitter vs. Minnesota on September 21, 1970, at the Oakland Coliseum.
The white tank-top flannel beauty features Kelly green "35" and "A's" trimmed in gold sewn on front, with block letter "BLUE" and large "35" in the same Kelly green and gold sewn on back. McAuliffe, Size 42, and "70" tags sewn in front tail. Jersey exhibits outstanding use with some toning at the lower front, some light stains on the back along with a small team repair below the numbers on the back. Based on an interior team repair within the upper back, Blue's NOB appears to have been changed from [Darrell] "Osteen", who pitched in three games for the A's wearing No. 35 earlier in 1970 prior to Vida's September call-up. It was common for a rookie to take over a former player's jersey in that era. Aside from the NOB, all other numbers and letters are all-original. The color photo attached certainly looks like a photo-match in our eyes based on the unique side stitching under the left armpit. Rare chance to own Vida's rookie home jersey, a great piece of Oakland A's history.