Rod Carew, who won seven American League batting titles during his prolific, 19-year Hall of Fame career, played his first 12 seasons for the Minnesota Twins before moving to Anaheim, California, to join the Angels for his final seven big league seasons. This lot features one of his game-worn Angeles road jerseys from the 1983 season, his third-to-last in the majors. Like so many other campaigns, this one was vintage Carew as he batted .339 with 160 hits despite playing in just 129 games.
The size 42 V-neck gray jersey features the W.A. Goodman & Sons manufacturing tag on the left front tail, which includes washing instructions. Across the front of the pullover jersey is “Angels” in red tackle twill sporting a blue outline with the “A” wearing a yellow halo around its top. His uniform number “29” is positioned on the left breast in similar tackle twill fashion. The back of the jersey features his last name – “CAREW” – as well as his uniform number “29” in red tackle twill with blue outlining. The jersey shows good game usage with noticeable puckering and fraying of the letters and numbers throughout. Carew autographed and inscribed “Best Wishes Rod Carew 1983” on the front of the jersey in blue marker.
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.