This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/28/2019
Originally signed by the Washington Senators while at Kent State, Rich Rollins spent several years in the organization’s minor league system before he was called up to the Majors in 1961. By this time the Senators had relocated to Minnesota and rebranded themselves as the Twins. Rollins immediately established himself as one of the Twins first stars, making two All-Star teams and finishing 8th in the 1962 MVP voting. In 1965 Rollins hit .249 as the team won the AL pennant and came very close to beating the Dodgers in the World Series, falling in seven games. This jersey was worn by Rollins during that 1965 pennant-winning season and has been professionally photo-matched to an included 5x7 shot of the second baseman taken that summer, which he has signed in blue ballpoint.
The home pinstriped flannel jersey has “Twins” across the chest in navy and red felt. A size “42” Wilson label is sewn in the lower left front tail below next to the remnants of a white strip tag. The classic Twins shaking hands logo (signifying the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul) is sewn on the left sleeve. The back of the jersey has Rollins’ number “9” in navy and red felt. The jersey shows good wear with some soiling stains visible, most noticeably on the back above the number and on the front lower right tail. A label in the neck has been partially removed and there is evidence of perspiration throughout. All the buttons are present and the navy and red colored felt remains vibrant with no moth damage whatsoever. A great early Twins gamer from the season they went to the World Series.
Includes LOA from Resolution Photomatching. The signed photo has a corresponding JSA auction LOA from when it was purchased in bulk.