This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2014
Presented here is one of the first game worn jerseys worn by legendary Dodger (and Met, too), Mike Piazza, a likely eventual Hall of Famer who was easily the best-hitting catcher of his era and maybe of any era. With 427 home runs, a .308 lifetime average and 1,335 RBI's, he posted numbers unprecedented for a backstop and earned a total of 12 All-Star selections and 10 Silver Slugger Awards.
As happens periodically, MLB switched its official uniform supplier, and for the 1992 season Russell Athletic replaced Rawlings. Many of the players were not happy with the fit of the new Russell's and continued to wear their old Rawlings. Modern licensing being what it is, MLB had to cover up the old Rawlings logo on the right sleeves of the jersey. When Mike Piazza was called up to the Dodgers in September of 1992, he was one of the guys who preferred the old Rawlings product. As such, this 1991 dated road jersey issued to him has been modified with a blue strip to mask the offending logo, making this jersey easily identifiable in period photos of Piazza. Piazza was issued number "25" with which he finished out the 1992 season. The following spring Piazza was issued the same jersey after the 1992 30th Anniversary of Dodger Stadium patch was removed from the left sleeve. He was also given the now familiar "31" and the old number (25) was replaced on this road jersey which he wore during spring training. This jersey has been immortalized on two baseball cards of Piazza, the 1992 Topps Stadium Club issue and the 1993 Bowman card, providing a solid "photo match." All indications point to this being the very first road jersey issued to future Hall of Famer Mike Piazza. The jersey shows light wear. Traces of the removed sleeve patch and changed player numbers can be seen. Rawlings size "48" label is present inside the collar and "Set 2 1991" tagging has been added. The timeless Dodgers script arches across the front in brilliant blue and white tackle twill and the now-famous "31" is in contrasting red. The logo cover-up patch is still sewn on the right sleeve. "PIAZZA" and "31" in blue and white tackle twill are sewn directly onto the back of the gray knit jersey. You won't find an earlier Mike Piazza MLB jersey with such solid documentation as this. Letter of Authenticity from uniform expert Dave Miedema.
This lot has a Reserve Price that has not been met.