Offered here is a classic 1957 Hollywood Stars home flannel donned by manager Clyde King during the iconic PCL club’s final season of existence. From the 1930s to the mid-50s the Pacific Coast League (AAA) was widely regarded as the “third” major league (after the AL and NL), providing a high level of play garnished by the blaze of Hollywood celebrities in the stands when the Stars or Angels hosted their games at Wrigley Field in South L.A. The Dodgers’ cross-country move in '57 essentially kicked the “Twinks” out of Los Angeles, leading to their sale and prompt move to Utah where they became the much less-heralded Salt Lake City Bees. Thus, the manager’s game jersey from this farewell campaign only adds to its historical significance.
A former pitcher, coach, manager, general manager and front office executive in the Major Leagues whose career in baseball spanned over 60 years, King was perhaps best known for his longtime role as special adviser to late Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. He skippered the S.F. Giants (1969–70), Atlanta Braves (1974–75) and Yankees (part of 1982), finishing with a managerial record of 234-229. The former right-handed pitcher debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1944 at the age of 20 and proved a solid contributor, winning 14 games in 1951 and retiring with a respectable 4.14 ERA. Following his playing career, King went into managing in the minors, starting with the Atlanta Crackers before signing on as skipper of the Twinks in '57 for the club's final season.
The creamy white and pinstriped wool garment has the Stars' stylish logo and King’s No. “23” both sewn on the front. His number appears larger on the back. All are done in blue-on-red felt. The sleeves have navy blue piping near the ends and there are six intended holes (as tailored) under each arm to facilitate ventilation. The Wilson size “44” manufacturer’s tag appears on the front tail, with “Clyde King 57” lightly penned next door. The zippered jersey presents in immaculate shape, exhibiting ample wear in the heavy fabric without the stains, tears and toning often found in such early gamers. Of course, being a manager’s shirt kept it in the dugout and away from on-field action. We found an example of this '57 home pinstriped style online courtesy of Dick Stuart (pictured with Steve Bilko of the L.A. Angels). A truly wonderful addition to any PCL or Golden Era collection, this shirt was worn by Jackie Robinson’s former Dodgers teammate ten years after he famously broke baseball’s color barrier. It was sourced from the esteemed Dick Dobbins Collection (the "mother" of all PCL collections) over two decades ago and has remained with the same owner ever since.