Auction Item Details
Lot 381
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Lot Number: 381
Description: Scarce Bill McKechnie St. Louis Cardinals home jersey c.1928-29. Upon retiring as a Major League player in 1920, Bill McKechnie began a managerial career that would last from 1922-1946. His career total of 1,892 victories ranks him 13th on the All-Time Win list. McKechnie was known for his impeccable ability to garner the best from his players, while remaining calm and controlled in his leadership. Nicknamed "Deacon", McKechnie lived an uncommonly clean life for the times. Very religious, he did not smoke, drink, or gamble like many of his contemporaries from that era. Bill McKechnie also remains the only manager to capture three National League pennants with different teams (Pirates, Cardinals, and Reds). Offered is an incredibly rare St. Louis Cardinals home jersey worn by manager Bill McKechnie c.1928-29. The shirt retains its original J.M. Sainz Athletic Goods, St. Louis tagging inside the collar. Front of the jersey exhibits the classic embroidered Cardinals red birds logo with team name embroidered beneath. "St. L" Old English felt lettering remains affixed to the left sleeve. Jersey remains in its original condition with only a tiny hole at the bottom of the back of the tail. The shirt also displays some general light soiling with a few more pronounced areas from usage and age wear. Although the majority of the soiling could be easily removed through professional cleaning, we have left the jersey in its original state should bidders prefer its current condition. According to first person accounts by McKechnie's grandson Jim, Bill wore the jersey on several occasions after his career, and recounted having worn it as a member of the Cardinals in the late 1920s. Pre-1930s era Major League jerseys of any type are exceedingly rare with Hall of Fame member examples of special note. To the best of our knowledge, the offered jersey is the first McKechnie game worn uniform of any type to have entered the marketplace. Includes a matted and framed display containing a period 8"x10" photo of McKechnie wearing a similar jersey and a blue ink cut signature of McKechnie. Includes LOA from James Spence Authentication (autograph), Hunt Auctions, Inc. (jersey), and a letter of provenance from James McKechnie: EX
Estimated Price: ($15,000.00-$25,000.00)
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