SCP Auctions January 2010 Internet Auction

Tony Conigliaro was the quintessential Boston ballplayer. Born in Revere, Massachusetts toward the end of World War II, Conigliaro rose rapidly to stardom. His handsome face and raw talent made the New England women swoon. Asending to the major leagues just a year after signing a contract with Red Sox in 1963, Tony "C" wasted no time finding a niche in baseball. He hit a home run in his first major league game. For the season, he hit .290 with 24 home runs over the first five months, but after breaking his arm in August, he saw the Rookie of the Year award go to Minnesota's Tony Oliva. When Conigliaro hit 32 homers the following season, he became, at the age of 20, the youngest home run champion in the history of the American League. He had also become the youngest person ever to reach 100 homers. But Tony Conigliaro's life would never be the same after August 18, 1967. During a night game at Fenway Park, Conigliaro was hit in the face by a fastball from California Angels' pitcher Jack Hamilton. He suffered a broken cheekbone and temporarily lost sight in his left eye, causing him to miss the 1968 season. Conigliaro returned in 1969, winning the Comeback Player of the Year award. In '70, he belted 36 homers and it appeared that his career was back on track. but vision problems continued to bother him and he left the big leagues in 1971 considered by many to be the epitome of greatness unfulfilled. Tony Conigliaro's home flannel jersey dating from his 1969 comeback season is beautifully preserved. All tagging is proper including the McAuliffe manufacturer's tag and adjacent size "44" and year '69 tags on the front tail. Absent from the left sleeve is the typical MLB anniversary patch. General usage and wash wear add to its wonderful display quality.