This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/28/2013
One of the most dynamic hitters in American League history, outfielder Kirby Puckett never batted lower than .288 in any season and finished his 12-year career with a .318 average and one AL batting title while leading the Minnesota Twins to World Championships in 1987 and 1991. Puckett was equally adept with his glove, garnering six Gold Glove Awards as the American League's best defensive center fielder. Presented is a game-used Minnesota Twins road jersey, worn by Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett during the 1988 season, when Puckett batted .356 and led the league in hits for the second consecutive season with 234. This awesome garment has the Rawlings size 44 label and "Set 1 1988" tag sewn into the back inside collar, while individual numbers and letters are blue tackle-twill stitched onto the jersey along with a Minnesota Twins patch on the left sleeve, which is white tackle-twill stitched. The jersey shows even wear, especially across the chest, suggesting the kind of enthusiastic use expected from a player who went all out on every play. There is minimal fraying of the white or black stitching around any of the letters or numbers elements. This is a marvelous game-used piece of one of baseball's greatest contemporary hitters, who passed away way too early at the age of 46.
MEARS AUTHENTIC LOA.
Also included is a letter on Minnesota Twins stationary from Jerry Bell, President, to original owner stating "that a couple of size 44 jersey were received from Rawlings at the beginning of Kirby's 1988 season. Apparently they were too snug, because records also indicate orders for size 46 and size 48 for the balance of that year".