Fall Premier Auction 2014

This Mark McGwire Oakland A’s home jersey dates to his final season with the club, in 1997. The white knit jersey is lettered “Oakland” across the front and features the number “25” on both the left breast and reverse. “McGwire” is lettered on the reverse above the number. All letters and numbers are appliquéd in green on gold tackle twill. A 1997 anniversary patch commemorating the 50th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s Major League debut appears on the right sleeve, while an Oakland A’s 30th anniversary patch (“1968-1997”) adorns the left sleeve. Situated on the left front tail are a Russell Athletic (size 52) label, and two overlapping flag tags reading, respectively, “100% Polyester” and “2 inch Extra Length.” A velcro tab is stitched inside the button placket just below the second button from the top. The jersey is original and unaltered, displaying light wear. Two small areas of stitching have loosened on a seam at the left front neck area. McGwire appeared in 105 games with the Athletics in 1997 before being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he was reunited with former A’s manager Tony LaRussa. Oakland fans were certainly sorry to see him go, as he was in the midst of what appeared to be an historic season. McGwire had already tallied 34 home runs and was on pace to challenge Roger Maris’ long-standing single-season home run record. He eventually added 24 more home runs with the Cardinals, finishing the year with 58 home runs, just three shy of the record. In doing so he became the first Major League player to hit 20 or more home runs with two different teams in the same season and the first to hit the most home runs in a season without qualifying as the home run champion in either league.