Auction Item Details
Lot 502
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Lot Number: 502
Description: **UPDATED** Scarce and important 1927 St Louis Cardinals jersey. Cream color pinstriped jersey retains its original embroidered Cardinals redbird logo on front along with "World Champions" lettering surrounding. Spalding manufacturer's label remains affixed in the collar (tattered) with "Martin" chain stitched in green on exterior of tail back along with "3 27 44" stitched in black. Original "StL" lettering in red is affixed to the left sleeve. The jersey exhibits evident use throughout including some surface soiling and few areas of light fraying to the piping. A charmingly primitive interior uniform patch has been applied to the interior of the back in support of a small holes and some thinning in the period. The bottom of the uniform strip that holds the buttons has been slightly shortened in the period. The 1926 Cardinals captured the World Championship from the powerful Yankees team. In 1927, the team produced the offered pinstriped jersey with the boldly displayed "World Champions" across the front. Although not confirmed, according to baseball lore the backlash against the Cardinals for such bravado was notable across the league causing the uniforms to be quickly discontinued. In any case, this particular style of jersey is without question one of the toughest of any Major League style ever produced with the offered specimen being the only example we have documented to exist. While the player is unknown for the 1927 season, the vintage "Martin" stitching almost certainly attributes the jersey to have subsequently been worn by Pepper Martin between 1928-30 as he was playing in the Cardinals Minor League system for several years between Major League appearances. At the time of this catalogue printing, we have located three player images of this style shirt (Jesse Haines, Bill Warwick, G.C. Alexander and Bob O'Farrell) none of which photo match with the offered shirt. Based on the sheer scarcity of the uniforms themselves it is entirely possible that the exact player origin of this jersey may not be attainable. The possibilities are however intriguing to say the least; Jim Bottomley and Frank Frisch. Player not withstanding this jersey represents a unique collecting opportunity the likes of which may not again be seen. Jersey is not a part of the Medwick Collection. Includes LOA from Hunt Auctions: VG-EXEstimated Price Range: ($15,000-$25,000)
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