This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/15/2014
Offered is an outstanding and exceptionally important late 1940's Joe DiMaggio game used road jersey. Bigger than the game that made him an American icon, Joe DiMaggio, the man, enchanted a nation and earned a revered place in history with his natural grace, undeniable power, and unparalleled 56-game hitting streak. DiMaggio is both myth and legend who adds intrigue and honor to American history. Known for his devotion to the game of baseball as much as for his athletic prowess, DiMaggio changed the way America viewed the sport, entertaining sports fans of all ages and from all demographics and walks of life like had never been done before. Fans described his style as pure, graceful and fluid; his performance on the field was truly something to behold and left fans awestruck. Well before the days of multi-million dollar television contracts and mass-produced team merchandise, even elite organizations like the New York Yankees took whatever measures possible to control costs. Though it might seem unfathomable by today's standards, where players seemingly change jerseys on a daily basis, only two sets of each uniform were issued to last for the whole season. A common team practice was to recycle the previously used uniform by sending it to their minor league affiliates to be re-purposed for extended use. Unfortunately, not even the mega-stars were immune to this cost-cutting measure and many of baseball's historic pieces were lost to some kid who kicked around the minors for a while before landing a career as a car salesman. The presented jersey had suffered the same fate, but was rescued from obscurity and restored to take its place among the most important pieces of baseball memorabilia ever produced. The offered jersey was purchased from legendary game used memorabilia expert Dick Dobbins and can trace it's roots and origin to one of several large groups of Yankee jerseys that Dobbins purchased during his storied time in our hobby. When inspecting the jersey it quickly is apparent that the front "New York" as well as the "number five" on the reverse have been professionally restored, which Dobbins also states in his letter which accompanies the revered garment. On the obverse of the jersey under close inspection the outline of "St. Pete" can be seen underneath the New York. St. Petersburg, Fl. was a Yankee Class D farm team in 1956. As was a common practice with all Major League teams in this era uniforms were routinely sent to the minor leagues for use and it is not uncommon for this to happen 8-10 years after a uniforms last use for the parent club. On the reverse there is an expertly restored number five, on the outlines of the current number five it is clearly visible that the stitch marks of the original five remain, as well one can identify the numbers "26" which were placed on the jersey for its tour in the minor leagues. All of this is captured in a period (1991 the date Dick Dobbins acquired the jersey) Polaroid picture which shows the number "26" as well as the remnants of the original "5" before the restoration that Dick Dobbins personally oversaw. The area in the right lower tail does identify a 3" x 1.75" stitch pattern which is consistent with the Wilson tag (data provided by MEARS) used on Yankee road uniforms from 1942-49, as well during this period the chain stitched name was done so on a placard attached to the manufacturers tag explaining why there isn't a stitch pattern for the name. The jersey does offer an attractive large 3 1/2" autograph in the inside collar of the jersey which completes this artifacts overall appeal! A stunning and captivating jersey of a true American icon made available the collecting public for the first time since 1991. The jersey is offered with an LOA from PSA/DNA (Autograph Only) LOA's for game use:LOA as well as a detailed letter from legendary Game Used Expert Dick Dobbins, and an additional LOA from Mile High Card Co.