C.1953-54 DAVE HOSKINS CLEVELAND INDIANS GAME WORN HOME FLANNEL JERSEY

Circa 1953-54 Cleveland Indians home flannel jersey game worn by pitcher Dave Hoskins, one of the first wave of Negro League players to play in major league baseball. Hoskins originally was an outfielder in the Negro Leagues with the Cincinnati Clowns and Homestead Grays before signing with the Indians in 1950, on a recommendation from none other than Hall of Fame pitcher Satchel Paige, who urged Cleveland GM Hank Greenberg to sign Hoskins because he "couldn't get him out". In the minors Hoskins tried his hand at pitching because "I was tired of pitchers throwing at me and made up my mind to throw at other guys." In 1953 he put up good numbers at Cleveland as a spot starter and reliever, 9-3 with a 3.99 ERA, but was never able to break into a rotation that included Hall of Famers Early Wynn, Bob, Lemon, and Bob Feller, as well as multiple 20 game winner Mike Garcia. He appeared in just 3 games in 1954 and was back in the minors until retiring in 1960. Indians in red with black trim sewn across the chest. Chief Wahoo patch sewn on left sleeve. Hoskins number "22' sewn on the back in the same red with black trim. "D. Hoskins" in script on sewn nameplate in back of collar. Jersey displays moderate game use. Small stain on bottom edge of tail in back.