This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/21/2017
After showing the most stuff of any home-grown Yankee pitcher since Whitey Ford, Jim Bouton experienced arm problems that derailed his once promising career. After winning 21 and then 18 games in 1963 and 1964, by 1967 Bouton was relegated to the bullpen where he made 17 appearances with one victory. It was during this period that the pitcher began jotting down his personal thoughts and observations of his teammates that formed the seeds of baseball’s most controversial book, “Ball Four”.
The classic Yankees home pinstripe flannel jersey was worn by Jim Bouton during the ’67 season at home. It has the timeless “NY” in navy blue felt on the left chest. Rawlings size “42” label is sewn in the left front tail with the year “67” stitched below in navy. Cleaning instructions are sewn below with a “SET 1 1967” white hand tag. “Bouton” is chain stitched in navy on a white name plate and sewn into the collar of the flannel. Bouton’s number “56” is sewn across the back in navy blue felt. The flannel shows heavy game use with overall toning on the white flannel. There are many pine tar spots and turf stains throughout, especially on the right front chest and shoulder area. The expected perspiration staining is found around the neck opening. The area about Bouton’s “56” on the back has some noticeable toning and stains mostly on the left side and on the bottom portion there is some random staining. The stitching remains good, especially on the lettering and all seven buttons are intact.
LOA from Jim Bouton.