Former Chicago Cubs standout pitcher Mark Prior put in plenty of preparation for the pros early in his career. From his days at University of San Diego (USD) High School to USC to pitching for Team USA in the early 2000’s, Prior had inked his date with MLB destiny in the early going. This lot includes three of Prior’s game worn jerseys from all three levels as well as one of his game used gloves.
The first jersey was one he donned for the USD High School Dons during the late ‘90’s. The white Wilson size 50 jersey with red pinstripes is tagged on the inside rear collar and includes Prior’s uniform number “19” on the front and back in red tackle twill numbers sewn directly onto the garment. “DONS” is spelled out vertically across the left chest, also in red tackle twill. The jersey shows light use.
The second standout jersey hails from Prior’s early new millennium collegiate career at USC (2000-01) and features the famed “Trojans” across the front in USC cardinal and gold tackle twill on the cardinal-colored, knit button-down garment. Prior’s No. 21 is affixed to the front in white tackle twill and the back in cardinal outlined in gold and white. In cardinal-on-gold twill. A “Victory Custom Athletic” label appears at the back of the collar with attached Size 46 flag tag and a Victory embroidered logo in cardinal and white appears on the left sleeve. The shirt shows light game use and appears to be essentially as-issued and without alteration.
The third and final jersey is one he wore for Team USA. For the record, Prior was on the 2000 National Team roster but not the 2000 U.S. Olympic Baseball Team. The gray Russell Athletic (size XXL) button-down jersey shows moderate use and reads “USA” in red, white and blue tackle twill across the chest. Prior’s uniform number “26” appears in red tackle twill outlined in navy blue on the left chest as well as the back of the jersey. His last name – “PRIOR” – appears in blue tackle twill on a separate gray nameplate that arches across the shoulders. A light blue and white “US WEST” embroidered patch appears on the left sleeve.
The last piece to this lot comes in the form of Prior’s game used glove. The black Rawlings mitt shows incredible wear with discoloration along with cracking throughout the leather. His name “MARK PRIOR” is embroidered in yellow on the outside of the thumb area. Well-worn it’s a lock that Prior wore this particular glove for many seasons.
Includes Letter of Provenance from the San Diego Hall of Champions.