This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/21/2017
In 1979, Baseball Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt simply turned in yet another season’s worth of power-hitting outings at the plate. As the burly, 6’ 2” Philadelphia Phillies 29-year-old third baseman, Schmidt launched 45 home runs, drove in 114 runs and led the league in walks with 120. He also scored 109 runs for good measure. For the first-ballot Cooperstown resident with 548 home runs to his credit, the ’79 season was by all signs another success even if the Phillies themselves finished in fourth place in the N.L. East standings with a record of 84-78. His fourth All-Star Game nod and third Rawlings Gold Glove award were further indicators from that season that Schmidt was something special on the baseball diamond.
Offered here is his 1979 Philadelphia Phillies game-worn home uniform from that remarkable campaign. The white-and-red pinstriped jersey features a circa 1979-84 Wilson manufacturer’s tag [size 44] on the lower left front tail, which is positioned above a supplemental year/set (“79 1”) knit swatch in black chain stitching to reflect the season in question. The polyester jersey is constructed with a zipper closure up the front with raglan sleeves. Schmidt’s uniform number “20” as well as the Phillies “P” logo appear across the front of the chest in maroon tackle twill sewn directly onto the jersey. Some slight fraying of the numbers is evident. Another knit swatch identifier reading “Schmidt” in black chain stitching is sewn directly into the inner rear collar. His last name “SCHMIDT” appears in maroon tackle twill affixed to the rear of the jersey across the shoulders with a closely cropped nameplate. His uniform number “20” appears underneath the nameplate in larger, eight-inch numerals made of maroon tackle twill. Puckering and slight fraying of the letters and numerals on the back of the jersey is evident. The jersey shows signs of moderate use and wear.
The accompanying polyester pants show slightly lighter use than the jersey but not to the point where they do not display well as a set. Appropriate Wilson manufacturer’s tagging exists on the inside right-side waistband (35 inches) with a supplemental name/year/set/inseam knit swatch in black chain stitching that reads: “Schmidt 79 1 27.” This ensemble has been assessed as all original by MEARS with no signs of contrived application, use or wear. This Phillies game-worn uniform represents a true treasure from one of the organization’s most beloved and respected players of all time.
Includes LOA from MEARS with perfect grade of A10.