19692

HSC: 1970 Reggie Jackson Game Worn Oakland A's Je

Currency:USD Category:Sports - Cards & Fan Shop / Sports - Game Used Memorabilia Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:8,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
HSC: 1970 Reggie Jackson Game Worn Oakland A's Je
<B>1970 Reggie Jackson Game Worn Jersey.</B></I> One of baseball's most charismatic stars, Reggie Jackson had made a name for himself in "the other city by the Bay" long before he earned his Mr. October moniker with his Yankee pinstriped heroics. Charlie O. Finley's ragtag bunch of ballplayers was poised on the brink of World Championship greatness when young Reggie shucked this flannel vest from his back in the Oakland clubhouse after a game and handed it to a visiting friend. "Save this for your son's future," Jackson instructed his buddy. Already, just four years into his career, Reggie knew that he had the talent to turn this shirt into a valuable commodity.<BR><BR> The early 1970's in Oakland was an exciting time for sports fans. The Raiders rolled with the Hell's Angels through the streets, and terrifying tough guys like Alzado, Matuszak and Hendricks doled out punishment to all that stood in their way on the gridiron. In the baseball world, team owner Finley modeled himself after the great baseball innovator Bill Veeck, parading a mule named after himself around the diamond during pre-game warm-ups, and encouraging guys like Catfish Hunter and Rollie Fingers to grow crazy mustaches. The uniforms themselves were another break from baseball's staid traditions, and many felt that the green and yellow attire made the A's look more like a goofy corporate softball team than Major League ballplayers. As such, uniforms from the late 1960's and early 1970's Athletics hold a special appeal for serious collectors, and of course none moreso than those belonging to Hall of Fame athletes.<BR><BR> This particular jersey, however, has heightened value for reasons extending beyond its regal lineage. It is especially noteworthy that the number "9" and logo "A's" on the chest, and the "Jackson" and subsequent number "9" on verso, are 100% original and unrestored. Almost all Athletics jerseys from this era were sent down to the minor leagues at the close of the season, where the team logo patch over the heart would be switched for the new club's design. As a result the vast majority found in the hobby today either bear the minor league look or have a modern replacement Major League logo in its place, as well as a restored name on verso. This jersey, having been spared reincarnation in the minors, remains unchanged from the day it left the field on Reggie's back. Proper tail tagging reads, "McAuliffe Uniform Corp, 70, 44." Wear is clearly evident, adding the final important component to this highly desirable package. Included with the lot is a personal letter of authenticity from Jackson's good friend to whom the jersey was given personally in 1970. <I>LOA from Dan Knoll & Dave Bushing/ SCD Authentic.</B></I>