This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/25/2014
Established as an American League expansion team in 1969, the Seattle Pilots were a disaster both on and off the field. Marvin Milkes, the team's GM, and Manager Joe Schultz optimistically predicted the fledgling team could finish as high as 3rd in the AL West division, and the Pilots actually toiled around the .500 mark through June. But from July through September, they bungled their way to a 29-59 record, closing the season at 64-98 and in last place. Presented is a game-used jersey worn by either Paul Click or Dick Bates during that lone season in The Emerald City. A team stitched "Click 42" patch appears inside the collar, though Click never actually played in a regular season game for Seattle. As mentioned in Jim Bouton's bestselling book "Ball Four," Click was hit on the back of the head by a line drive while pitching batting practice during the 1969 Pilots' spring training and never returned to the major-leagues. Click's #38 was changed to #46 and Dick Bates was then issued the jersey, but his major league career was almost as fleeting, comprising of one appearance with 1 2/3 innings pitched, giving up three hits, three walks, and five runs. On the front right tail is the appropriate Spalding label and size 42 tag, with laundering instructions and a "Set 1 1969" flag attached. All numbers, letters and "100th Anniversary" patch are white tackle twill stitched and appear to have been restored. MEARS has noted the restorations and given the jersey a grade of A2. LOA from Dave Grob/MEARS, Mile High Card Company.