This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/23/2015
As Major League Baseball in the 1970’s and 1980’s tentatively began to comprehend and appreciate the nostalgic elements of its history and the appeal to fans across many generations, old-timers games began to take on a greater luster, with rosters suddenly sprinkled with legendary figures from earlier eras to be accorded yet another moment in the spotlight. Joe DiMaggio, the biggest name in baseball during the Depression and through the end of the second world war, was just such a name, making this game-worn Cracker Jack Old-Timer’s full uniform a staggering piece, further bolstered by a blazing blue Sharpie autograph at the back of the collar of the jersey. The Rawlings Size 46 jersey has the distinctive red label sewn to the left front of the tail; immediately opposite on the inside a MEARS Authentic hologram is affixed with serial number, attesting to the sparkling 9.5 grading anointed by the uniform experts there. Shirt has the block-letter “American” screened in red across the front and DiMaggio’s famed No. 5 on the back and his name on a white nameplate in the same fashion on the back. The red-and-blue Cracker Jacks Old-Timers logo is screened on the right sleeve and the embroidered “Rawlings” logo patch appears on the left. Shirt has red elastic trim on the collar and sleeves, the same design elements used for the Size 40 pants at the waist. The Rawlings fabled red tag appears at the front of the left leg and also at the back of the elastic waistband, with adjacent flag tag with “Inseam 24 inches” and another MEARS Authentication hologram affixed nearby. The red stirrup socks show good game use just as the shirt and pants do; all pieces are in simply superb condition, problem-free and without visible indication of alteration of any description. The piece is simply a stunning artifact from the man who far transcended his sport almost from the moment of his arrival at Yankee Stadium in 1936.
Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA. Includes full LOA from MEARS Authentication (9.5).