This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2016
ADDENDUM: PHOTO RESEARCH INDICATES THIS JACKET WAS WORN BY DRYSDALE DURING HIS L.A. DODGERS PLAYING DAYS BEGINNING IN 1958.
Breaking into the established Dodgers’ pitching corps alongside veterans Don Newcombe, Carl Erskine and Roger Craig would appear daunting to most rookies, but Don Drysdale earned his stripes quickly. In 1957, in just his second season, he led the team with a 17-9 mark, a 2.69 ERA and struck out a team-high 148 batters. By the time the team had moved out west in '58, Big Don had become a household name. In 1959, he went 17-13 with a National League leading 242 punch-outs and earned his first All-Star appearance. More importantly, he helped the Dodgers win their second World Series in just their second season in Los Angeles. Big Don would add two more rings to his fingers ('63 & '65) when his career was all said and done.
This lot features Drysdale’s late 1950's - early 1960's era Los Angeles Dodgers game-worn warm-up jacket. The blue satin, zipper-down jacket reads “Dodgers” across the front in white script tackle twill and is fully insulated. The collar, wrists and waistband areas are all sporting Dodger blue and white stripes. Both front jacket pockets are lined in blue leather. Inside the collar is the MacGregor size 48 manufacturer’s tagging; the print on the left white tag has completely faded from age. The end of both sleeves has Drysdale’s uniform number “53” sewn in white tackle twill. The zipper remains intact and works. The jacket reflects substantial use, but remains in great condition except for some slight gold-colored print transfers on the front left tail. It matches the style worn by his manager Walter Alston and teammate Sandy Koufax in the attached photos.
Includes LOA from the Drysdale Family.