Hall of Fame southpaw Steve Carlton, nicknamed “Lefty,” pitched from 1965 to 1988 for six different teams in his career, but it is his time with the Philadelphia Phillies where he received his greatest acclaim as he won four Cy Young Awards. He would, however, pick up his third World Series ring in 1987 with the Minnesota Twins, a club he joined earlier that season and closed out his career with a year later.
This lot features Steve Carlton’s 1987 signed and inscribed Minnesota Twins game-worn road jersey. Joining Minnesota in mid-season, Carlton started just seven games for the Twins that year. This gray pinstriped garment has the “Rawlings size 48” label and "Set 1 1987" flag tag sewn into the back inside collar, while individual numbers (“38”) and letters (“MINNESOTA”) are red tackle-twill outlined in blue stitched onto the jersey along with a Minnesota Twins patch on the left sleeve, which is white tackle-twill stitched. A gray “Rawlings” patch appears on the right sleeve. His last name – “CARLTON” – arches across the back in blue tackle twill sewn directly onto a gray nameplate. The jersey shows minimal wear with only slight fraying on just a few of the letters.
Autograph pre-certified by PSA/DNA.
PROVENANCE: Baltimore Orioles Clubhouse Collection - This is one of a collection of 12 jerseys in this auction that originate directly from the collection of a gentleman who served as the Baltimore Orioles visiting team clubhouse attendant in his youth in the early 1980’s. A dream job for any baseball loving kid, his position enabled him to serve and befriend many of the great stars of the era that passed through Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium. He was also a well-liked “gofer” for many of his hometown heroes such as Eddie Murray, Cal Ripken and Brooks Robinson. All of the game worn jerseys presented here were given to him personally by the players they represent and autographed for him personally. Prior to their offering here, these jerseys have remained in his sole possession. Needless to say, they are ideal specimens with regard to originality, usage attributes and provenance.