Consistency, durability and dominance characterized the career of Eddie Murray. One of baseball's most productive hitters from the late 1970s through the '90s, when he retired Murray was only the third player to have collected both 3,000 hits and 500 home runs. The all-time career RBIs leader among switch-hitters, the three-time Gold Glove Award winner at first base was an eight-time All-Star and had six consecutive top-10 finishes in voting for the Most Valuable Player Award. Murray was a stalwart at first base for 12 seasons for the Orioles, capturing a world championship with Baltimore in 1983. This superb Baltimore Orioles home jersey was worn by Hall of Fame great Eddie Murray during his 1977 rookie season. After being selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the third round of the 1973 amateur draft, Murray had several successful seasons in the minor leagues before he debuted at the major league level on April 7, 1977. Murray played in 160 games for the Orioles in his first season. He won the 1977 American League Rookie of the Year award by batting .283, hitting 27 home runs and contributing 88 RBI. This is undoubtedly one of the finest Murray jerseys in existence.
The white knit jersey is lettered "Orioles" across the front and features the number "33" on both the left breast and reverse. "Murray" is arched above the number on the reverse. All letters and numerals are applied in orange on black tackle twill. On the inside right front tail is the Rawlings manufacturer’s tag noting size “42” with adjacent flag tags noting “1976” and “Set 1” respectively. It is not uncommon for players to wear a jersey manufactured a season earlier, especially a rookie. Murray has beautifully signed the jersey in blue marker with his added notation “My first Oriole Shirt!” boldly on the front. Solid usage wear is evident and the jersey retains ideal display quality. Given directly to our consignor (a former Orioles clubhouse attendant) decades ago, it is hard to imagine a finer quality and more desirable Murray gamer.
Autograph and inscription pre-certified by PSA/DNA.
PROVENANCE: Baltimore Orioles Clubhouse Collection - This is one of a collection of 12 jerseys in this auction that originate directly from the collection of a gentleman who served as the Baltimore Orioles visiting team clubhouse attendant in his youth in the early 1980’s. A dream job for any baseball loving kid, his position enabled him to serve and befriend many of the great stars of the era that passed through Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium. He was also a well-liked “gofer” for many of his hometown heroes such as Eddie Murray, Cal Ripken and Brooks Robinson. All of the game worn jerseys presented here were given to him personally by the players they represent and autographed for him personally. Prior to their offering here, these jerseys have remained in his sole possession. Needless to say, they are ideal specimens with regard to originality, usage attributes and provenance.