This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/20/2011
This 1952 replica Negro League Indianapolis Clowns Hank Aaron flannel jersey was worn by the actor who played Hank Aaron during the filming of the 1995 Academy Award nominated documentary HANK AARON: CHASING THE DREAM (first ever sports themed documentary to be nominated for an Academy Award). The jersey is consigned directly by a member of the film's production team. The film’s premise covers a skinny, cross handed batting eighteen-year-old Hank Aaron playing shortstop for the Negro American League's Indianapolis Clowns under manager Buster Haywood. Aaron had been signed in April, 1952 for $200 per month by Bunny Downs, the Clowns' business manager, after being discovered the previous season while playing with the semi-pro Mobile Black Bears in an exhibition game against the Clowns. The film chronicles Aaron’s rise through the ranks and the trials and tribulations of eventually becoming baseball’s All-Time Home Run King through actual footage and reenactments. The jersey was utilized in several Indianapolis Clowns reenactment scenes. Included with the jersey is a photo from the filming of the documentary and of our consignor with the actor playing Hank and Hank Aaron himself. Includes a LOA from consignor.