This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/8/2013
Tommy Byrne was a hard-throwing pitcher who never hesitated to pitch inside. He famously struggled with his control most of his career, earning him the nickname "Wild Man". After making his debut on April 27, 1943, he had four years with more than 130 innings pitched and more than 6 walks per nine innings, a record later tied by Nolan Ryan. Byrne led the league in hit batsmen five times and in walks three times. Despite his wildness, he won 15 games twice (1949–50) and enjoyed a career season in 1955 with a 16-5 record and a 3.15 ERA, and led the league in winning percentage (.762).
In a 13-year career, Byrne posted an 85-69 record with a 4.11 ERA in 1362 innings. In four World Series, he went 2-2 with 11 strikeouts and a 2.53 ERA in 21.1 innings. He made the American League All-Star team in 1950. Offered is a road jersey donned by New York Yankees hurler Tommy Byrne during his 1956 campaign with the club, which would be the penultimate season of his career. Wilson size 42 tag is sewn on the tail along with laundry instructions. A felt strip tag reading "Byrne 56" is sewn in the collar. “New York” lettering sewn on front and number “23” sewn to reverse in navy blue felt are restored and not original to the jersey, though done with a high level of expertise. Heavy use is evident.