Consignments Wanted. Immediate need for Game Worn Jerseys, Game Used Bats, Autographs, Memorabilia of all categories. Collections big and small. Please contact Troy R. Kinunen at (414) 828-9990 or email troy@mearsonline.com 

MEARS recently had the opportunity to authenticate a Willie Mays game worn road uniform from his 1967 season with the San Francisco Giants. Please read the findings from Dave Grob’s evaluation below.

Dave Grob’s Comments and Working Notes for:
1967 Willie Mays San Francisco Giants Road Jersey 

Size: The jersey is tagged as and measures as a size 42. This was confirmed through measurement across the chest as well as comparing it with period on hand Rawlings products in sizes 40, 42, and 44. The size is also appropriate and consistent with period sizing data I have assembled for Willie Mays. The annotated sizes for the accompanying pants (32-33 waist and 25” inseam) are also the true sizes as confirmed by physical measurement. This sizing of the pants is also consistent with a previously evaluated pair of 1969 Willie Mays home pants. As such I would consider this to be an appropriate sized uniform for Mays at this point in his career. (PLATE I) 

Manufacturers Tagging: The jersey and pants features a c 1963-1971 style Rawlings manufacturers tag. All supplemental tagging for player, year, and set are consistent with data base exemplars for 1967 Giant road uniforms provided by Rawlings. All tagging in both the jersey and pants is assessed as being original to the garments. Special attention was given to the supplemental tagging for player identification in the rear of the collar (Mays chain stitched to a felt swatch). Examination of the rear of the collar area with both UV lighting and digital microscope confirms that this tagging was not added post manufacturer. As such I would consider this to be an appropriately tagged uniform by team, year, and manufacturer and that all tagging is free of any signs of contrived application. (PLATE II) 

Construction/Style: The uniform is constructed of a professional grade Pearl Gray wool flannel blend fabric. The sleeves are set-in style and cut to a length of 3 3/4”. This style and length of sleeve is period appropriate for Mays as confirmed by contemporary images. All tagging and alpha-numeric font styles and placement is consistent with contemporary images as well. Of interest and significance to note is the construction/alteration of the pants. While not obvious from the exterior, when the pants are examined from the interior, you will see that have been customized to present a more narrow and custom tighter fit. This slight detail bodes very well for the uniform: 

An on line article by Marty Appel makes note that “Baseball players have worn the form fitting uniforms since Giants teammates Tito Fuentes and Willie Mays took their pants to a San Francisco tailor in the mid ‘60s and had them recut”. 

http://www.appelpr.com/ARTICLES/A-JohnDurant.htm 

The Sporting News; Page 22, 9 September 1967. Both Tito Fuentes and Willie Mays are listed among the top ten players wearing the tightest pants. This same article lists both Mays and Mantle as the best dressed players. (PLATES III-IV) 

Use/Wear: The jersey shows signs moderate use and wear. Moderate wear is assessed to the cotton twill lettering and numbering as well as the anchor stitching throughout the body of the garment. All buttons are assessed as being original to the jersey and all remain firmly affixed. There is no damage or fraying to the soutache that adorns the collar and sleeve ends. The pants show commensurate use and wear, with the exception of a vintage repair to the right knee. Both the jersey and the pants are autographed. I offer no opinion on either autograph, but only note their presence at the time of my evaluation. All lettering and numbering is assessed as being original to the jersey as confirmed by examination on a light table. (PLATES V-VI) 

Opinion: In my opinion this jersey possesses all the characteristics you would expect to see in a uniform manufactured in 1967 by Rawlings for road use and wear by Willie Mays. Both jersey and pants are assessed as all original and compare favorably with period images. The only exception being the customization of the pants as mentioned above. 

The MEARS worksheet and grading criteria provides for 5 categories for which points may deducted, I found no reasons to deduct any points As such, the final grade for this jersey bearing hologram #313942 is A10. No separate grade is assigned to the pants as they are only deemed as being authentic. 

Dave Grob
MEARS
Enclosures: PLATES I-VI

Consignments Wanted. Immediate need for Game Worn Jerseys, Game Used Bats, Autographs, Memorabilia of all categories. Collections big and small. Please contact Troy R. Kinunen at (414) 828-9990 or email troy@mearsonline.com 

MEARS recently had the opportunity to authenticate a Willie Mays game worn road uniform from his 1967 season with the San Francisco Giants. Please read the findings from Dave Grob’s evaluation below.

Dave Grob’s Comments and Working Notes for:
1967 Willie Mays San Francisco Giants Road Jersey 

Size: The jersey is tagged as and measures as a size 42. This was confirmed through measurement across the chest as well as comparing it with period on hand Rawlings products in sizes 40, 42, and 44. The size is also appropriate and consistent with period sizing data I have assembled for Willie Mays. The annotated sizes for the accompanying pants (32-33 waist and 25” inseam) are also the true sizes as confirmed by physical measurement. This sizing of the pants is also consistent with a previously evaluated pair of 1969 Willie Mays home pants. As such I would consider this to be an appropriate sized uniform for Mays at this point in his career. (PLATE I) 

Manufacturers Tagging: The jersey and pants features a c 1963-1971 style Rawlings manufacturers tag. All supplemental tagging for player, year, and set are consistent with data base exemplars for 1967 Giant road uniforms provided by Rawlings. All tagging in both the jersey and pants is assessed as being original to the garments. Special attention was given to the supplemental tagging for player identification in the rear of the collar (Mays chain stitched to a felt swatch). Examination of the rear of the collar area with both UV lighting and digital microscope confirms that this tagging was not added post manufacturer. As such I would consider this to be an appropriately tagged uniform by team, year, and manufacturer and that all tagging is free of any signs of contrived application. (PLATE II) 

Construction/Style: The uniform is constructed of a professional grade Pearl Gray wool flannel blend fabric. The sleeves are set-in style and cut to a length of 3 3/4”. This style and length of sleeve is period appropriate for Mays as confirmed by contemporary images. All tagging and alpha-numeric font styles and placement is consistent with contemporary images as well. Of interest and significance to note is the construction/alteration of the pants. While not obvious from the exterior, when the pants are examined from the interior, you will see that have been customized to present a more narrow and custom tighter fit. This slight detail bodes very well for the uniform: 

An on line article by Marty Appel makes note that “Baseball players have worn the form fitting uniforms since Giants teammates Tito Fuentes and Willie Mays took their pants to a San Francisco tailor in the mid ‘60s and had them recut”. 

http://www.appelpr.com/ARTICLES/A-JohnDurant.htm 

The Sporting News; Page 22, 9 September 1967. Both Tito Fuentes and Willie Mays are listed among the top ten players wearing the tightest pants. This same article lists both Mays and Mantle as the best dressed players. (PLATES III-IV) 

Use/Wear: The jersey shows signs moderate use and wear. Moderate wear is assessed to the cotton twill lettering and numbering as well as the anchor stitching throughout the body of the garment. All buttons are assessed as being original to the jersey and all remain firmly affixed. There is no damage or fraying to the soutache that adorns the collar and sleeve ends. The pants show commensurate use and wear, with the exception of a vintage repair to the right knee. Both the jersey and the pants are autographed. I offer no opinion on either autograph, but only note their presence at the time of my evaluation. All lettering and numbering is assessed as being original to the jersey as confirmed by examination on a light table. (PLATES V-VI) 

Opinion: In my opinion this jersey possesses all the characteristics you would expect to see in a uniform manufactured in 1967 by Rawlings for road use and wear by Willie Mays. Both jersey and pants are assessed as all original and compare favorably with period images. The only exception being the customization of the pants as mentioned above. 

The MEARS worksheet and grading criteria provides for 5 categories for which points may deducted, I found no reasons to deduct any points As such, the final grade for this jersey bearing hologram #313942 is A10. No separate grade is assigned to the pants as they are only deemed as being authentic. 

Dave Grob
MEARS
Enclosures: PLATES I-VI

Consignments Wanted. Immediate need for Game Worn Jerseys, Game Used Bats, Autographs, Memorabilia of all categories. Collections big and small. Please contact Troy R. Kinunen at (414) 828-9990 or email troy@mearsonline.com 

MEARS recently had the opportunity to authenticate an Ernie Banks game worn home jersey from his 1969 season with the Chicago Cubs. Please read the findings from Dave Grob’s evaluation below.

Dave Grob’s Comments and Working Notes for:
1969 Ernie Banks Chicago Cubs Home Jersey 

Size: The jersey is tagged as and measures as a size 40. This was confirmed both through measurement across the chest and comparing it with period on hand Wilson products in sizes 38, 40, and 42. The size is also appropriate and consistent with period sizing data. This sizing data includes contemporary heights and weight for Banks. As such I would consider this to be an appropriate sized jersey for Ernie Banks at this point in his career. (PLATE I) 

Manufacturers Tagging: The jersey features a c 1967-1973 style Wilson manufacturers tag. The jersey also features period appropriate supplemental tagging for player (14), year (69), set # (1), and size (40). All of this has been chain stitched to a swatch of wool blend flannel material and sewn into the rear of the collar (only through the frontal fabric panel). The collar area of the garment was examined in detail to ensure that this form of supplemental tagging was not added post manufacturer. An additional year identifier can be found in the lower left front tail, just above the Wilson tag in the form of chain stitched “1969” sewn directly into the garment itself. All of this is considered to be original to the jersey and consistent with period Chicago Cubs home and road jerseys in my data base. (PLATE II) 

Construction/Style: The jersey is constructed of a professional grade white wool flannel blend pinstriped fabric. Both the width of the pinstripes as well as the spacing between them is consistent with other pinstriped period Wilson major league grade fabrics in my on hand library (Twins, Phillies, and Braves). The sleeves are “Set-In” style and cut to a length of 3” or an above to mid bicep cut. This style and length of sleeve is period appropriate for Banks as confirmed by contemporary images. The left breast features an original 6 5/8” Chicago Cubs logo, constructed on a cotton twill patch. The rear numerals are an appropriate size and font style as confirmed by period images. Both sleeves feature patches that are year/period appropriate for the Chicago Cubs in 1969; this too is something that is confirmed by period images as well. (PLATES III-VI) 

Use/Wear: The jersey shows signs of moderate to heavy use and wear. Moderate to heavy wear is assessed to the twill numbering as well as the anchor stitching throughout the body of the garment. Anchor stitches are broken on the rear numeral “4” and this has been left un-repaired. This does however allow the underside of the numeric applique to be observed as the presence of the original adhesive residue helps to confirm the originality of the current #14 on the jersey. All seven of the buttons remain firmly affixed and are assessed as being original to the garment. Both patches on the jersey (left sleeve-“Cubbie Bear”) & (right sleeve- MLB 100th Anniversary) are assessed as being period original offerings and not replicas as well as being original to the garment. At the time of my evaluation, the only writing on the garment was an autograph of “Ernie Banks” on the left front mid-section of the garment. I offer no opinion on the autograph, but only note that is present at the time of my evaluation. (PLATES VII-VIII) 

Provenance: The garment was accompanied by copies of letters from Mr. Dick Dobbins (21 March 1993) as well as one from Mr. Mike Specht (27 March 1993). The Dobbins letter is one offering an opinion as to the authenticity of the garment, but it is largely testimonial without any supporting information. The Specht letter details the source of the jersey as being a Bill Griswold, a bat boy for the San Diego Padres in the late 1960s and early 1970s. A copy of Mr. Griswold’s 1970 Padres Employee card is also included. The offered provenance appears to be both reasonable and verifiable with respect to corroborating how the jersey first came into the hobby. 

Opinion: In my opinion this jersey possesses all the characteristics you would expect to see in a jersey manufactured in 1969 by Wilson for use and wear by Ernie Banks. The jersey is assessed as being in all original condition and free of any signs of alteration or contrived use or wear. 

The MEARS worksheet and grading criteria provides for 5 categories for which points may deducted, I found this reason to deduct points: 

Category 5: -.5 broken anchor stitching on rear numeral “4” 

As such, the final grade for this jersey bearing hologram #313948 is A9.5 

Dave Grob
MEARS
Enclosures: PLATES I-VIII

Consignments Wanted. Immediate need for Game Worn Jerseys, Game Used Bats, Autographs, Memorabilia of all categories. Collections big and small. Please contact Troy R. Kinunen at (414) 828-9990 or email troy@mearsonline.com 

MEARS recently had the opportunity to authenticate an Ernie Banks game worn home jersey from his 1969 season with the Chicago Cubs. Please read the findings from Dave Grob’s evaluation below.

Dave Grob’s Comments and Working Notes for:
1969 Ernie Banks Chicago Cubs Home Jersey 

Size: The jersey is tagged as and measures as a size 40. This was confirmed both through measurement across the chest and comparing it with period on hand Wilson products in sizes 38, 40, and 42. The size is also appropriate and consistent with period sizing data. This sizing data includes contemporary heights and weight for Banks. As such I would consider this to be an appropriate sized jersey for Ernie Banks at this point in his career. (PLATE I) 

Manufacturers Tagging: The jersey features a c 1967-1973 style Wilson manufacturers tag. The jersey also features period appropriate supplemental tagging for player (14), year (69), set # (1), and size (40). All of this has been chain stitched to a swatch of wool blend flannel material and sewn into the rear of the collar (only through the frontal fabric panel). The collar area of the garment was examined in detail to ensure that this form of supplemental tagging was not added post manufacturer. An additional year identifier can be found in the lower left front tail, just above the Wilson tag in the form of chain stitched “1969” sewn directly into the garment itself. All of this is considered to be original to the jersey and consistent with period Chicago Cubs home and road jerseys in my data base. (PLATE II) 

Construction/Style: The jersey is constructed of a professional grade white wool flannel blend pinstriped fabric. Both the width of the pinstripes as well as the spacing between them is consistent with other pinstriped period Wilson major league grade fabrics in my on hand library (Twins, Phillies, and Braves). The sleeves are “Set-In” style and cut to a length of 3” or an above to mid bicep cut. This style and length of sleeve is period appropriate for Banks as confirmed by contemporary images. The left breast features an original 6 5/8” Chicago Cubs logo, constructed on a cotton twill patch. The rear numerals are an appropriate size and font style as confirmed by period images. Both sleeves feature patches that are year/period appropriate for the Chicago Cubs in 1969; this too is something that is confirmed by period images as well. (PLATES III-VI) 

Use/Wear: The jersey shows signs of moderate to heavy use and wear. Moderate to heavy wear is assessed to the twill numbering as well as the anchor stitching throughout the body of the garment. Anchor stitches are broken on the rear numeral “4” and this has been left un-repaired. This does however allow the underside of the numeric applique to be observed as the presence of the original adhesive residue helps to confirm the originality of the current #14 on the jersey. All seven of the buttons remain firmly affixed and are assessed as being original to the garment. Both patches on the jersey (left sleeve-“Cubbie Bear”) & (right sleeve- MLB 100th Anniversary) are assessed as being period original offerings and not replicas as well as being original to the garment. At the time of my evaluation, the only writing on the garment was an autograph of “Ernie Banks” on the left front mid-section of the garment. I offer no opinion on the autograph, but only note that is present at the time of my evaluation. (PLATES VII-VIII) 

Provenance: The garment was accompanied by copies of letters from Mr. Dick Dobbins (21 March 1993) as well as one from Mr. Mike Specht (27 March 1993). The Dobbins letter is one offering an opinion as to the authenticity of the garment, but it is largely testimonial without any supporting information. The Specht letter details the source of the jersey as being a Bill Griswold, a bat boy for the San Diego Padres in the late 1960s and early 1970s. A copy of Mr. Griswold’s 1970 Padres Employee card is also included. The offered provenance appears to be both reasonable and verifiable with respect to corroborating how the jersey first came into the hobby. 

Opinion: In my opinion this jersey possesses all the characteristics you would expect to see in a jersey manufactured in 1969 by Wilson for use and wear by Ernie Banks. The jersey is assessed as being in all original condition and free of any signs of alteration or contrived use or wear. 

The MEARS worksheet and grading criteria provides for 5 categories for which points may deducted, I found this reason to deduct points: 

Category 5: -.5 broken anchor stitching on rear numeral “4” 

As such, the final grade for this jersey bearing hologram #313948 is A9.5 

Dave Grob
MEARS
Enclosures: PLATES I-VIII

Consignments Wanted. Immediate need for Game Worn Jerseys, Game Used Bats, Autographs, Memorabilia of all categories. Collections big and small. Please contact Troy R. Kinunen at (414) 828-9990 or email troy@mearsonline.com 

MEARS recently had the opportunity to authenticate a Don Drysdale game worn road jersey from his 1969 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Please read the findings from Dave Grob’s evaluation below.

Dave Grob’s Comments and Working Notes for:
1969 Don Drysdale Los Angeles Dodgers Road Jersey 

Size: The jersey is tagged as a size 46 and this is the true size of the jersey and as compared to period on hand Rawlings products in sizes 44, 46, and 48. While not annotated as such, the torso of the jersey appears to have approximately 3” of extra length in the tail as it is actually longer than the size 48, 1968 Dodgers Road jersey (Rawlings) on hand exemplar. All of this, to include the extra length is consistent with period Rawlings and Goodman & Sons that were tagged as 46 (L) for extra length or long. As such, I would consider this to be an appropriate sized garment for Don Drysdale at this point in his career. (PLATE I) 

Manufacturers Tagging: The jersey features a c1963-1971 Rawlings as well as supplemental tagging to denote player and year of issuance. Additional tagging is present for year/set as well as laundry instructions. All of this tagging is assessed as being original to the garment and is consistent with data base tagging exemplars for 1969 Los Angeles Dodgers road uniforms manufactured by Rawlings. As such I would consider this be a properly tagged jersey by year, team, and manufacturer. (PLATE II) 

Construction/Style: The jersey is constructed of a lighter weight (4 1?2 oz) Pearl Grey wool flannel blend and is consistent by quality and weave as other period Rawlings products in my exemplar library. The jersey features Raglan sleeves cut to a 4” or mid-bicep cut, both of which are appropriate as confirmed by period images. Alpha-numeric font styles as well as placement and general alignment is also assessed as being appropriate and this too is confirmed by period images. Manner of applique of the lettering and numbering is with a straight, or “in-line” stitch.” This too is appropriate for the Dodgers as confirmed by period images as well. There is no name on the back of the jersey, nor should there be. The garment features a period MLB 100th Anniversary patch on the left should shoulder and this is appropriate given the tagged year of issuance. (PLATES III-V) 

Use/Wear: The jersey shows signs of moderate to heavy use and wear for a pitcher. This is true of the body in general as well as the surface condition of the felt lettering and numbering. When the felt lettering is looked at on a light table (numerals and lettering), I saw signs of light thinning to the fabrics in many areas or locations. My assessment is that the lettering and numbering is original to the garment at the time of manufacturer. This assessment is also supported by the condition of the backside of the athletic felt. Since the lettering and numbering were affixed with an in-line stitch, you can see that the backing of the athletic felt displays cracking and toning associated with fabric of this period. All stitches both for the body of the garment as well as those used to affix the felt lettering and numbering remain intact and unbroken in any areas. The MLB 100th Anniversary patch is assessed as being both a period original offering as well as being original to the garment. The jersey is free of any appreciable signs of soiling or staining that are visible in natural light. Under UV lighting, light spot soiling is evident. Given condition of the jersey and player as well as position and year of issuance, use and wear could be described as optimal. The jersey does feature an autograph on the right front shoulder area. I offer no opinion on the autograph, but only note its presence at the time of my evaluation. (PLATES VI-VII) 

Opinion: In my opinion this jersey possesses all the characteristics you would expect to see in a jersey supplied by Rawlings in 1969 for road use and wear by Don Drysdale. The jersey compares favorably with period images and period Rawlings fabrics. All lettering, numbering, and tagging is assessed as being original to the garment and free of any signs of contrived application or use and or wear. 

The MEARS worksheet and grading criteria provides for 5 categories for which points may deducted, I found no reasons to deduct points. 

As such, the final grade for this jersey bearing hologram #313943 is A10. 

Dave Grob
MEARS
Enclosures: PLATES I-VII

Consignments Wanted. Immediate need for Game Worn Jerseys, Game Used Bats, Autographs, Memorabilia of all categories. Collections big and small. Please contact Troy R. Kinunen at (414) 828-9990 or email troy@mearsonline.com 

MEARS recently had the opportunity to authenticate a Don Drysdale game worn road jersey from his 1969 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Please read the findings from Dave Grob’s evaluation below.

Dave Grob’s Comments and Working Notes for:
1969 Don Drysdale Los Angeles Dodgers Road Jersey 

Size: The jersey is tagged as a size 46 and this is the true size of the jersey and as compared to period on hand Rawlings products in sizes 44, 46, and 48. While not annotated as such, the torso of the jersey appears to have approximately 3” of extra length in the tail as it is actually longer than the size 48, 1968 Dodgers Road jersey (Rawlings) on hand exemplar. All of this, to include the extra length is consistent with period Rawlings and Goodman & Sons that were tagged as 46 (L) for extra length or long. As such, I would consider this to be an appropriate sized garment for Don Drysdale at this point in his career. (PLATE I) 

Manufacturers Tagging: The jersey features a c1963-1971 Rawlings as well as supplemental tagging to denote player and year of issuance. Additional tagging is present for year/set as well as laundry instructions. All of this tagging is assessed as being original to the garment and is consistent with data base tagging exemplars for 1969 Los Angeles Dodgers road uniforms manufactured by Rawlings. As such I would consider this be a properly tagged jersey by year, team, and manufacturer. (PLATE II) 

Construction/Style: The jersey is constructed of a lighter weight (4 1?2 oz) Pearl Grey wool flannel blend and is consistent by quality and weave as other period Rawlings products in my exemplar library. The jersey features Raglan sleeves cut to a 4” or mid-bicep cut, both of which are appropriate as confirmed by period images. Alpha-numeric font styles as well as placement and general alignment is also assessed as being appropriate and this too is confirmed by period images. Manner of applique of the lettering and numbering is with a straight, or “in-line” stitch.” This too is appropriate for the Dodgers as confirmed by period images as well. There is no name on the back of the jersey, nor should there be. The garment features a period MLB 100th Anniversary patch on the left should shoulder and this is appropriate given the tagged year of issuance. (PLATES III-V) 

Use/Wear: The jersey shows signs of moderate to heavy use and wear for a pitcher. This is true of the body in general as well as the surface condition of the felt lettering and numbering. When the felt lettering is looked at on a light table (numerals and lettering), I saw signs of light thinning to the fabrics in many areas or locations. My assessment is that the lettering and numbering is original to the garment at the time of manufacturer. This assessment is also supported by the condition of the backside of the athletic felt. Since the lettering and numbering were affixed with an in-line stitch, you can see that the backing of the athletic felt displays cracking and toning associated with fabric of this period. All stitches both for the body of the garment as well as those used to affix the felt lettering and numbering remain intact and unbroken in any areas. The MLB 100th Anniversary patch is assessed as being both a period original offering as well as being original to the garment. The jersey is free of any appreciable signs of soiling or staining that are visible in natural light. Under UV lighting, light spot soiling is evident. Given condition of the jersey and player as well as position and year of issuance, use and wear could be described as optimal. The jersey does feature an autograph on the right front shoulder area. I offer no opinion on the autograph, but only note its presence at the time of my evaluation. (PLATES VI-VII) 

Opinion: In my opinion this jersey possesses all the characteristics you would expect to see in a jersey supplied by Rawlings in 1969 for road use and wear by Don Drysdale. The jersey compares favorably with period images and period Rawlings fabrics. All lettering, numbering, and tagging is assessed as being original to the garment and free of any signs of contrived application or use and or wear. 

The MEARS worksheet and grading criteria provides for 5 categories for which points may deducted, I found no reasons to deduct points. 

As such, the final grade for this jersey bearing hologram #313943 is A10. 

Dave Grob
MEARS
Enclosures: PLATES I-VII