It’s hard to picture Los Angeles Angels centerfielder Mike Trout in a number other than 27. But on April 15th each year, every Big Leaguer pays homage to the great Jackie Robinson by donning his retired No. 42 for a day. This was the date in 1947 that Jackie broke the color barrier, paving the way for America’s Pastime – not to mention every other pro sport – to blossom into the diverse and accepting game it is today.
Offered here is an incredibly rare No. 42 jersey that Trout wore on Jackie Robinson Day in 2014 at Angels Stadium against the visiting Oakland A’s. What’s more, Trout hit a clutch two-run homer in the bottom of the 9th off A’s closer Sean Doolittle to tie the game at nine apiece and send it into extra innings. The third-year player went 3-for-6 on the afternoon with two runs scored and three RBI including the long ball (No. 5 on season; No. 67 for career). In the bottom of the 11th, with his team down a run, Trout stole his first base of the season with a headfirst slide into second, acquiring a chest-full of infield dirt in the process and making his jersey a cinch to photo-match (see Getty 451102704 and attached AP image). For good measure, the experts at Resolution Photomatching have further confirmed the match. The Halos would lose, 10-9, despite Trout’s outstanding ballgame, one of many en route to his first American League MVP award.
The size 48 Majestic Authentic Collection home white jersey includes an MLB Authentication hologram on the front of the tag verifying its 4/15/14 game use. The button-down 100% polyester shirt has “ANGELS” stitched across the dirt-stained chest, the big “A” logo patch on the right sleeve, the 1961 Angels Baseball logo patch on the left sleeve and a separate sewn-in white label that reads “27-48-2014.” Jackie’s iconic No. 42 adorns the front and back in red tackle twill outlined in black. Dirt covers virtually the entire front mid-torso and there are additional dirt and/or pine tar stains on each shoulder as well as the lower back. This certainly ranks as one of the finest Trout gamers to own, due to its JRD scarcity, its level of wear, and the fact that baseball’s best player today homered wearing it during his first MVP season.
MLB Auth. # EK 821372. LOA from Resolution Photomatching.