This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/8/2018
Pete Rose, who retired from Major League Baseball as a player following the 1986 season, still holds the league’s all-time hits record of 4,256 to his credit. This lot features Rose’s game-worn Cincinnati Reds home white jersey from 1978, a season in which he recorded his famous 44-game hit streak, which remains the most serious threat to Joe DiMaggio's MLB record of 56, which was set in 1941. The ’78 season was also one in which Rose recorded his 3,000th base knock. At 37 years of age, Rose led the Senior Circuit in doubles that year with 52, so it comes as no surprise that the offered home pullover jersey shows significant wear.
It shows both sweat and tobacco stains throughout the jersey, which balances Rose’s red uniform number "14" and chenille Reds logo patch on the chest with "ROSE" and “14” appearing on the back. The jersey’s lower left front interior tail reveals the "Rawlings [size] 44" manufacturer’s tag with "Set 1 1978" affixed to it via a flap tag. With season-long wear evident in this garment, its use during that remarkable campaign is all but assured. Rose signed the front of the jersey in blue felt tip just below the Reds logo.
Includes letter of provenance from previous owner and COA from PSA/DNA for autograph.