This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/21/2017
Back in the early 1940’s, fans at Ebbets Field were baffled by an unknown Cardinals rookie that hit the Dodgers pitching like they were his long lost cousins. Unfamiliar with the kid, Brooklyn fans took to calling him “That Man” - as in “not That Man again!” whenever he came to bat. After two decades as the National League’s most consistent hitter, Stan Musial’s nickname had been streamlined to a respectful “Stan the Man”. The Man wore this Cardinals cap during his final seasons in the majors.
The navy cap is of the style worn from 1956 through Stan’s last year of 1963. The famed “StL” is embroidered in cardinal red and white and shows light toning from age. The cardboard inside the cap’s bill has cracked in two places and there is some loose stitching. These are at least five small holes in the crown, the most significant being on the left and rear right panels. The button is still attached and the cardinal colored cloth still bright. The leather sweatband is worn but still present as is the red and white Rawlings label. Size “6 7/8” is stamped onto the sweatband. The green underside of the bill has a single pinhole and shows toning and loose stitching. As is expected there is toning and staining from perspiration and wear throughout, giving this Musial gamer real character. To top off this Hall of Fame worthy ball cap, Stan The Man has signed the top of the bill in strong silver pen.
Includes LOA from the Musial family. Additional LOA from MEARS. Full LOAs from PSA/DNA and JSA (auto.).