The Dodgers have one of the most unique histories in all of sports. The franchise began in Brooklyn, NY with their rise from laughable losers of the 1930’s to the gritty underdog that the “everyman” could proudly root for in the 1950’s. The role Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson played in the integration of baseball literally changed the nation, and their sole championship in Brooklyn in '55 proved that even 'Dem Bums can win every once in a while. The team’s influential move to L.A. in 1959 ushered in the modern era of the game, personified by the winning excellence of Sandy Koufax and the team’s 1960’s dynasty. Then came that scrappy, cast-off southpaw from the Brooklyn days, Tommy Lasorda, who rode shotgun on a whole new winning tradition that took the team from the 1970’s into the 80’s. All of that history is recorded right here on this one-of-a-kind piece.
This vintage Dodgers team flag was flown at Wrigley Field above the centerfield scoreboard and, upon retirement, became the perfect canvas for a collection of 40 different stars from the club's storied history. According to a previous owner's account, the flag was purchased in the 1990's at an auction, which stated it originated from the Cubbies' home ballpark. The buyer then proceeded to track down each signature, either in person or by mailing the flag to them. Present are Hall of Famers Sandy Koufax, Pee Wee Reese, Duke Snider, Tommy Lasorda, Don Sutton and Eddie Murray along with legends from the team’s Brooklyn days like Preacher Roe, Roger Craig, Ralph Branca, Johnny Podres, Cal Abrams, Joe Black, Andy Pafko, Dolph Camilli, Don Newcombe and Carl Erskine as well as L.A. stars Frank "Hondo" Howard, Maury Wills, Tommy Davis, John Roseboro, Wally Moon, Jerry Reuss, Al Downing, Ron Cey, Steve Yaeger ('81 WS MVP), Steve Garvey (signed twice), Bill Russell, Rick Dempsey and Tim Wallach.
The flag shows heavy wear with some fading to the fabric and fraying on the edges. It measures five foot long and, if not for the narrowing triangular section having worn off from wind and age, the flag would certainly extend a couple more feet. With the exception of Joe Black (who fittingly signed in black), the signatures are all done in thick white paint pen (ranging 7-9/10 in strength and eye appeal) that pops nicely against the Dodger Blue background. A truly original way to display more than six decades of Dodgers history.
Full LOAs from JSA and PSA/DNA (miscounted # of signatures; there are 41 total as Garvey signed twice).