In 1966, the Los Angeles Dodgers – winners of two of the last three World Series – came back for more. They finished the regular season with a record of 97-67, which was good enough for first place in the National League. Once again, they edged out the San Francisco Giants for the top spot, this time by 1.5 games. In the World Series, however, the Dodgers were quickly silenced by the Baltimore Orioles. After dropping the first two games at home, the Dodgers were swept in four games by the O’s. Baltimore’s Frank Robinson was named MVP of the Fall Classic.
For Drysdale, he notched 13 victories against 16 defeats and struck out 177 opposing batters. He also pitched just 273.2 innings, his lowest total in five years. By the same token, his ERA jumped over three (3.42), also for the first time in five seasons.
This lot features Drysdale’s 1966 Los Angeles Dodgers game-worn road uniform. The classic flannel road jersey is unmistakable as it boasts a blue scripted "Los Angeles" across the chest rising over a red number "53" that only too often struck fear in the hearts of batters throughout the National League. His number "53" is repeated in larger (eight-inch) blue digits on the reverse. Lower left front tail provides the proper "Rawlings" manufacturer's label (size 46), with his last name and season – “Drysdale 66” –chain-stitched in blue script just beneath the Rawlings tag. Below that is a washing instructions tag with a "Set 1 1966" flap tag anchored at the right seam of a washing instructions label. All seven of the jersey’s original gray buttons remain intact.
The matching pair of Dodgers road flannel pants are tagged "Rawlings [size] 38)" in the right side of the interior waistband with a washing instructions label to its immediate right and a "66 Set 1" blue chain-stitched label to the right of that. In the middle of the rear of the waistband is an embroidered "Drysdale 38 33" nameplate signifying player, waist size and inseam length. All four original gray buttons sewn into the fly area remain intact, as do both single buttons sewn into the back pockets.
Both the jersey and pants reflect game use with slight soiling although both garments remain in near immaculate condition. A remarkable uniform worn by one of the most feared pitchers of his time.
Includes LOA from the Drysdale Family.