LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 October Sig. Sports Collectibles II #708  / 

19648

1968-69 Curt Flood Game Worn Uniform

Currency:USD Category:Sports - Cards & Fan Shop / Sports - Game Used Memorabilia Start Price:8,000.00 USD Estimated At:15,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD
1968-69 Curt Flood Game Worn Uniform
<B>1968-69 Curt Flood Game Worn Uniform.</B></I> The superstar Cardinal's 1,861 hits, .293 lifetime average, three All-Star appearances, and seven Gold Gloves tell the story of an excellent major league player, but fails to address his even greater relevance in baseball history as an instrumental figure in overturning the Major Leagues' reserve clause. Though the Supreme Court voted against his case and it disrupted his career and changed his life, it was an important battle which provided the union strength and platform for its mid '70's victories which opened up the salary floodgates. Every current player should salute Curt Flood and also salute his '68/'69 uniform which is not only earth-shaking in its beauty, but pristine in its condition.<BR><BR> Unlike most cotton/wool blend flannels of the era, this one has just a slight cream hue to the white flannel. All seven buttons are original and the red bird and bat chenille stitched front logo retains its colorful brilliance. The same holds true for the original front and back 2-color felt numerals and the all important arched name on back.<BR><BR> Notorious for quick removal of NOB's at season's end, this Cardinals' gem retains its original "Flood" with spectacular arch and spacing. The front tail sports some of the most beautiful decorative highlights of any 1960's flannel. A "Rawlings size 38" label was apropos for the diminutive but powerful 5' 9", 165 pound centerfielder. The washing instructions label with "Set 1 1968" flap tag are straight stitched beneath, leaving ample space for a "Flood 68" chain link identifier which rates a "10" on the calligraphy scale. A bonus feature is the presence of an original MLB 100th anniversary patch on the left sleeve, indicating use or backup use during the 1969 campaign.<BR><BR> Taking the superlatives a step further is a matching pair of Flood's flannel pants with 1/4" red braid side piping. Again, the inner waistband provides the best in 1960's flannel tailoring and decoration. A "Rawlings size 30" label, washing instructions and "Set 1 1968" flap tag are affixed in tandem. Accompanying this tagging schema is a 6" felt swatch (fully intact) with red chain link identifiers "Flood 68 30 22 ins" signifying player's name, year, size, and inseam. Flood has autographed the jersey front in bold black sharpie.<BR><BR> The only blemish, if one can call it such, is a well faded, quarter-inch tall markered name "Somerfeld." Whether that was a "cup of coffee minor leaguer" or a recipient of the jersey is unknown. But for sure, the jersey never saw more than a day in the minors, the condition is superb and as an all original representation, ranks as a 10+. And lest we forget in all the flannel hoopla, it represents an extremely talented and important figure in baseball history, and is eminently displayable. <I>LOA from Lou Lampson.</B></I><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Clothing, Costumes & Jerseys (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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