This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2014
Featured here is a rare 2012 Cuban National Team jersey game-worn by Jose Abreu, the 2014 American League Rookie of the Year. The slugging first baseman wore this jersey in a best-of-three international exhibition series vs. the Taiwan Thunder held November 11-13, 2012 in Taiwan. It was part of their tune-up for the 2013 World Baseball Classic. The first two games were pitching duals, split 2-1 Taiwan and 1-0 Cuba. But Cuba's bats exploded for a 14-7 romp in the deciding 3rd game. Abreu put up big numbers in the 2013 WBC, launching 3 homers with 9 RBIs and batting .383 over 6 games in the tournament as scouts drooled. He defected in August '13 and was quickly signed by the Chicago White Sox. He was the unanimous winner of the 2014 AL ROY in his first MLB season as he batted .317 with 36 HR and 107 RBI. If the Sox had a better team, he would have really challenged Mike Trout for 2014 AL MVP honors.
The red Adidas button-down jersey with white sleeves has "Cuba" across the front in blue cursive lettering with Adidas logo on the right chest. A patch of the Cuba flag is sewn on left sleeve. "ABREU" and "79" on back in white. Manufacturer's tagging behind collar gives sizes in every county except USA (i.e. 42/44 UK) and includes a flag tag with bar code and "07/11" for year issued. The jersey shows wear consistent with game-use as there is slight discoloration to the back numbers and lettering along with a faint aroma of cologne (perhaps to hide body odor). It comes essentially as-issued and problem-free. Style-matching photos from Taiwan Thunder Series attached.
Comes with notarized letter of provenance from previous owner.