Vintage pre-war flannel pants are interesting in their own right, and in my opinion, undervalued. Part of this may be do to the fact that the opinions offered on them is often cursory and with no real value added. When the quality of the work is poor, there is more in the pipeline and that pipeline gets clogged with garbage. With no filters and objective ways to separate the good from the bad, the entire market for pants suffers. Yes I realize pants don’t display as well as jerseys, but when you consider the significant price differential and the notion that pants have probably survived in lesser numbers than the jerseys from that period, they are perhaps more rare and valuable in some respects.

Recently I had occasion to look at vintage flannel home pants of Yankee Hall of Famers Lou Gehrig and Miller Huggins. These were consigned to REA for their 2010 auction. Each was identified to the player/manager by the name sewn into the rear of the beltline, and that was where the commonality ended. This article is about offering some insights on what to look for and why it is critical to see and understand this before considering purchasing such items. Pants, especially the older ones, often lack size and or year tags. There are ways to address these issues, but fist let’s start with the player attribution itself.

For items of this vintage, you often see a faded red thread used for various purposes of identification, such as the player’s name. The thread typically fades to some shade less striking than the original red color due to use, wear, soiling and laundering. No great secret there. But this occurs because the red thread has been exposed to an environment beyond the flannel fabric barrier that permits this to happen. What then happens to the thread behind the flannel wall? The thread is protected from the use, wear, soiling and laundering and does not discolor in the same manner or shades.

When a stitched players name in pants (or jerseys for that matter as well) is contrived, the person doing this work will use a color thread that is intended to look like it was once red, but now faded. The problem is the thread should actually be found in two shades, one shade above the flannel barrier line and one below. Sort of tough to find a thread to use that will do that. Secondly, to accomplish adding a players name after the fact, this requires that the belt line stitching be opened up to facilitate this fabrication. For the forger looking not to get caught…you have to reassemble the pants in the same manner they were constructed in. Once again, not an easy thing to do if the person who is going to be looking at them has some sense of an attention to detail and the resources to properly inspect them.

All of this brings us to the comparison between the Gehrig pants and those of Miller Huggins. PLATES I-III show the problems with Gehrig pants. Those being:

-The thread for the L GEHRIG had not actually faded and this could be seen when compared to the thread used to sew the “37”.

– The pants were not reassembled properly.

The interior color of the L GEHRIG thread was easy to see because of small hole just above and to the left of the name. I simply rolled the fabric until the thread was visible through the small hole. Had the hole not been there, I still would have seen this under the digital microscope. The Gehrig pants were a good candidate for this type of make over in that they were extremely well worn. As such, one might expect open seam holes and detached fabric. The problem for the forger came when they misaligned the fabrics for resewing. In this case we have seam holes with no fabric to cover them and fabric with seam holes, but no holes in the fabric under them.

Enough of the bad, and these were bad…How about some good pants. The Miller Huggins pants were a pleasure to look at. The sewing of the name was not an issue as you can see, in PLATE IV, but how about dating them when no manufacturers label or year identification is available? Huggins managed the New York Yankees from 1918 to 1929 and during this time frame the Yankees wore pinstriped pants at home. Not much to go on right? Wrong, we have some basis for to begin a search and known characteristic to work with. For now, let’s stay with the stitching of the player identification.

The manner of supplemental player identification is the same by construction as that found recently in a 1919-1920 Muddy Ruel New York Yankees home jersey. Other examples of Yankee Spalding products dating to the 1923-1924 time frame and there after appear to have this supplemental player identification done in a chain stitch, as opposed to straight stitch embroidery. As such I would place these pants more to the period of c1918-1922. This means the other physical and observable characteristics should be identifiable in images from this earlier period. These characteristics include the pinstripe material itself as well as how the belt loops are constructed and affixed to the pants as function of both location and spacing. These variations can be seen in the images of Miller Huggins in PLATE V. If you focus your attention on the area with the red circles, this will become obvious.

Of course I have saved the best for last with PLATE VI. This image of Miller Huggins is from April of 1921, the same earlier period suggested by the correct manner of name embroidery. Also, by actually counting the pinstripes in a defined area (you’d be surprised how many people including major auction houses and those they employ don’t do this), we can ascertain something about scale, or this case relative size of the garment. This is accomplished by using both the pinstripes and the location and spacing of the loops themselves. Thus, even without a size tag, these pants appear to have constructed in a manner that is proportionally correct for Miller Huggins. But wait…it gets even better.

Notice the count of the pinstripes and where each loop is sewn as a function of both spacing and placement. Also notice that loop A is without any pinstripe both in the offered pants and in the photo. Notice how loop B both in fact have a pinstripe as well as how and where it is sewn. Notice how loop C both also have a pinstripe as well as how and were it is sewn. Armed with this information, now go back through any of the references at your disposal with respect to period Yankee images and see for yourself how defining and critical knowing and looking for things like this can be. Can’t say I’ve read of anyone else doing research and imagery analysis on belt loops, but as you can see it’s well worth looking into.

My advice from all of this when looking at pants or anything else for that matter:

– Develop a methodology and metrics for what to look for and how to do it.

– Resource your research efforts with references and technology.

– Buy the stuff that satisfies your methodology and metrics.

– Don’t buy the stuff that doesn’t.

It’s really that simple…

As always, enjoy what you collect and collect what you enjoy.

Dave Grob

For questions or comments on this article, please feel free to drop me a line at DaveGrob1@aol.com.

Vintage pre-war flannel pants are interesting in their own right, and in my opinion, undervalued. Part of this may be do to the fact that the opinions offered on them is often cursory and with no real value added. When the quality of the work is poor, there is more in the pipeline and that pipeline gets clogged with garbage. With no filters and objective ways to separate the good from the bad, the entire market for pants suffers. Yes I realize pants don’t display as well as jerseys, but when you consider the significant price differential and the notion that pants have probably survived in lesser numbers than the jerseys from that period, they are perhaps more rare and valuable in some respects.

Recently I had occasion to look at vintage flannel home pants of Yankee Hall of Famers Lou Gehrig and Miller Huggins. These were consigned to REA for their 2010 auction. Each was identified to the player/manager by the name sewn into the rear of the beltline, and that was where the commonality ended. This article is about offering some insights on what to look for and why it is critical to see and understand this before considering purchasing such items. Pants, especially the older ones, often lack size and or year tags. There are ways to address these issues, but fist let’s start with the player attribution itself.

For items of this vintage, you often see a faded red thread used for various purposes of identification, such as the player’s name. The thread typically fades to some shade less striking than the original red color due to use, wear, soiling and laundering. No great secret there. But this occurs because the red thread has been exposed to an environment beyond the flannel fabric barrier that permits this to happen. What then happens to the thread behind the flannel wall? The thread is protected from the use, wear, soiling and laundering and does not discolor in the same manner or shades.

When a stitched players name in pants (or jerseys for that matter as well) is contrived, the person doing this work will use a color thread that is intended to look like it was once red, but now faded. The problem is the thread should actually be found in two shades, one shade above the flannel barrier line and one below. Sort of tough to find a thread to use that will do that. Secondly, to accomplish adding a players name after the fact, this requires that the belt line stitching be opened up to facilitate this fabrication. For the forger looking not to get caught…you have to reassemble the pants in the same manner they were constructed in. Once again, not an easy thing to do if the person who is going to be looking at them has some sense of an attention to detail and the resources to properly inspect them.

All of this brings us to the comparison between the Gehrig pants and those of Miller Huggins. PLATES I-III show the problems with Gehrig pants. Those being:

-The thread for the L GEHRIG had not actually faded and this could be seen when compared to the thread used to sew the “37”.

– The pants were not reassembled properly.

The interior color of the L GEHRIG thread was easy to see because of small hole just above and to the left of the name. I simply rolled the fabric until the thread was visible through the small hole. Had the hole not been there, I still would have seen this under the digital microscope. The Gehrig pants were a good candidate for this type of make over in that they were extremely well worn. As such, one might expect open seam holes and detached fabric. The problem for the forger came when they misaligned the fabrics for resewing. In this case we have seam holes with no fabric to cover them and fabric with seam holes, but no holes in the fabric under them.

Enough of the bad, and these were bad…How about some good pants. The Miller Huggins pants were a pleasure to look at. The sewing of the name was not an issue as you can see, in PLATE IV, but how about dating them when no manufacturers label or year identification is available? Huggins managed the New York Yankees from 1918 to 1929 and during this time frame the Yankees wore pinstriped pants at home. Not much to go on right? Wrong, we have some basis for to begin a search and known characteristic to work with. For now, let’s stay with the stitching of the player identification.

The manner of supplemental player identification is the same by construction as that found recently in a 1919-1920 Muddy Ruel New York Yankees home jersey. Other examples of Yankee Spalding products dating to the 1923-1924 time frame and there after appear to have this supplemental player identification done in a chain stitch, as opposed to straight stitch embroidery. As such I would place these pants more to the period of c1918-1922. This means the other physical and observable characteristics should be identifiable in images from this earlier period. These characteristics include the pinstripe material itself as well as how the belt loops are constructed and affixed to the pants as function of both location and spacing. These variations can be seen in the images of Miller Huggins in PLATE V. If you focus your attention on the area with the red circles, this will become obvious.

Of course I have saved the best for last with PLATE VI. This image of Miller Huggins is from April of 1921, the same earlier period suggested by the correct manner of name embroidery. Also, by actually counting the pinstripes in a defined area (you’d be surprised how many people including major auction houses and those they employ don’t do this), we can ascertain something about scale, or this case relative size of the garment. This is accomplished by using both the pinstripes and the location and spacing of the loops themselves. Thus, even without a size tag, these pants appear to have constructed in a manner that is proportionally correct for Miller Huggins. But wait…it gets even better.

Notice the count of the pinstripes and where each loop is sewn as a function of both spacing and placement. Also notice that loop A is without any pinstripe both in the offered pants and in the photo. Notice how loop B both in fact have a pinstripe as well as how and where it is sewn. Notice how loop C both also have a pinstripe as well as how and were it is sewn. Armed with this information, now go back through any of the references at your disposal with respect to period Yankee images and see for yourself how defining and critical knowing and looking for things like this can be. Can’t say I’ve read of anyone else doing research and imagery analysis on belt loops, but as you can see it’s well worth looking into.

My advice from all of this when looking at pants or anything else for that matter:

– Develop a methodology and metrics for what to look for and how to do it.

– Resource your research efforts with references and technology.

– Buy the stuff that satisfies your methodology and metrics.

– Don’t buy the stuff that doesn’t.

It’s really that simple…

As always, enjoy what you collect and collect what you enjoy.

Dave Grob

For questions or comments on this article, please feel free to drop me a line at DaveGrob1@aol.com.

Onsite posters are the rarest Cassius Clay paper items to find. There is quite a challenge in the cataloging of known examples. Many of his early fights there are no known examples. The accompanying image helps us verify the existence of two vintage Cassius Clay poster.

Poster 1: April 23rd, 1962, Cassius Clay vs. George Logan

Poster shows portrait shots of Cassius Clay and George Logan. The poster was printed with the text, “BOXING: SPORTS ARENA, CLAY VS. LOGAN, APRIL 23“ There is only one known example of this poster in the hobby and this image verifies both its size and design.

The second poster is quite interesting. Examination of Clay’s ring record reveals he never fought an opponent named Mountain Rivera, yet, the poster is clearly shown hanging on the wall. Further research finds that during the same year, 1962, a boxing movie was made which Cassius Clay played a small role.

Poster 2: Undated, Cassius Clay vs. Mountain Rivera

The film is described in Wikipedia as:

“Requiem for a Heavyweight was originally a 1956 American teleplay written by Rod Serling and produced for the live television show Playhouse 90 on 11 October 1956, then was filmed as a movie starring Anthony Quinn, Jackie Gleason, and Mickey Rooney in 1962. The teleplay won a Peabody Award, the first given to an individual script, and helped establish Serling’s reputation. The broadcast was directed by Ralph Nelson and is generally considered one of the most famous examples of live television drama in the United States, as well as being Serling’s personal favorite of his own work.

Ralph Nelson also directed a movie version in 1962 with Anthony Quinn in the role originated by Jack Palance, and Jackie Gleason and Mickey Rooney in the parts portrayed on television by Keenan Wynn and his father Ed Wynn. Muhammad Ali, then still using his birth name, Cassius Clay, appears as Quinn’s opponent in a boxing match at the beginning of the movie, a memorable sequence filmed with the camera providing Quinn’s point of view as the unstoppable Clay rapidly punches directly at the movie audience.”

The poster was used as a prop in the movie. If you look close, you can see that Mountain Rivera is actually Anthony Quinn. The location appears to be from Dundee’s 5th Street Gym. Although the photo is undated, it was most likely taken shortly after 1962 while Clay continued to train at the gym. The movie poster remained on the wall. No surviving examples of the movie poster “Clay vs Rivera” are known.

Looking to buy Muhammad Ali / Cassius Clay Posters. Collector paying highest prices. Looking for Muhammad Ali onsite posters or close circuit posters. Also wanted are Cassius Clay onsite posters or close circuit posters. Contact me at troy@mearsonline.com for immediate cash offer.

Onsite posters are the rarest Cassius Clay paper items to find. There is quite a challenge in the cataloging of known examples. Many of his early fights there are no known examples. The accompanying image helps us verify the existence of two vintage Cassius Clay poster.

Poster 1: April 23rd, 1962, Cassius Clay vs. George Logan

Poster shows portrait shots of Cassius Clay and George Logan. The poster was printed with the text, “BOXING: SPORTS ARENA, CLAY VS. LOGAN, APRIL 23“ There is only one known example of this poster in the hobby and this image verifies both its size and design.

The second poster is quite interesting. Examination of Clay’s ring record reveals he never fought an opponent named Mountain Rivera, yet, the poster is clearly shown hanging on the wall. Further research finds that during the same year, 1962, a boxing movie was made which Cassius Clay played a small role.

Poster 2: Undated, Cassius Clay vs. Mountain Rivera

The film is described in Wikipedia as:

“Requiem for a Heavyweight was originally a 1956 American teleplay written by Rod Serling and produced for the live television show Playhouse 90 on 11 October 1956, then was filmed as a movie starring Anthony Quinn, Jackie Gleason, and Mickey Rooney in 1962. The teleplay won a Peabody Award, the first given to an individual script, and helped establish Serling’s reputation. The broadcast was directed by Ralph Nelson and is generally considered one of the most famous examples of live television drama in the United States, as well as being Serling’s personal favorite of his own work.

Ralph Nelson also directed a movie version in 1962 with Anthony Quinn in the role originated by Jack Palance, and Jackie Gleason and Mickey Rooney in the parts portrayed on television by Keenan Wynn and his father Ed Wynn. Muhammad Ali, then still using his birth name, Cassius Clay, appears as Quinn’s opponent in a boxing match at the beginning of the movie, a memorable sequence filmed with the camera providing Quinn’s point of view as the unstoppable Clay rapidly punches directly at the movie audience.”

The poster was used as a prop in the movie. If you look close, you can see that Mountain Rivera is actually Anthony Quinn. The location appears to be from Dundee’s 5th Street Gym. Although the photo is undated, it was most likely taken shortly after 1962 while Clay continued to train at the gym. The movie poster remained on the wall. No surviving examples of the movie poster “Clay vs Rivera” are known.

Looking to buy Muhammad Ali / Cassius Clay Posters. Collector paying highest prices. Looking for Muhammad Ali onsite posters or close circuit posters. Also wanted are Cassius Clay onsite posters or close circuit posters. Contact me at troy@mearsonline.com for immediate cash offer.

May 24, 2005

With great pride we have prepared our findings for the following item submitted to us on behalf of Grey Flannel Collectibles. On April 29th, 2005, we examined and recorded the following information for the item to be auctioned on June 22, 2005, Lot #1, hologram #258587. Our methods included the physical examination of the jersey, recording detailed information via our patent pending Jersey Grading and Authentication Worksheet, copyright 2005, comparing it to our data base, taking and analyzing 100’s of high quality images of the actual jersey, comparing the data to other known or like examples, studying reference material provided to us which included photocopied photographs of Babe Ruth including team photos and action shots of players from this era, then compiling the following letter of opinion.

The jersey inspected is Babe Ruth. The jersey was issued as the road grey version to be worn during the course of the regular season and perchance the post season, i.e. World Series. The jersey is manufactured from a grey flannel material consistent with other New York Yankees and other road jerseys manufactured to be worn by major league baseball players during this era. The jersey is similar in consistency to other examples of major league road jerseys we have examined.

The style was button down which was standard on major league jerseys from this era. Seven gray pearl buttons were used. All buttons are original with none missing.

The jersey is manufactured by Spalding and tagged on the inside collar to the right of the player identifier. The square white tag with black lettering reads “A.G. SPALDING & BROS., MADE IN USA, REG US PAT OFF, SPALDING TRADE MARK (Standard Baseball logo design)” This tag is correct and found on documented examples of early 1930s major league baseball and New York Yankees jerseys. The tag is all original with no signs of tampering.

Regarding the size of the jersey, no size tag is present. Size tags were not standard on jerseys from this period so the lack of one is not an issue. The measurement across the chest is 25” which equates to approximately a size 50, which would be an acceptable size for someone of Babe Ruth’s size and weight from that stage of his career.

One of the key identifiers to this jersey is the player name found in the collar. The name Ruth G. H appears in red thread sewn directly into the collar and to the left of the Spalding manufacturers tag. The script of the Ruth G. H is stylized and slants to the right. The process of its application was free hand. The application of the thread forming the GH Ruth is applied to the first fold of the collar only and does not penetrate the reverse of the collar. This is proper and to be expected on the player identifiers found in the neck of jerseys from this period. Another Babe Ruth New York Yankees home jersey was used to compare this process of applying the player identifier. The Babe Ruth jersey used for comparison was a home example and the application of the 3 (introduced in 1929) on reverse of jersey dates this example from the same era. Examination of the Ruth G. H player I.D. in collar of the road jersey shown similarities to the Ruth G. H in the home example. Although not an exact match, the style, consistency and free hand nature indicated similarities in both jerseys. With this player identifier being all original and untampered with, attribution to Babe Ruth becomes definite.

Starting in 1931, the Yankees changed the front of their jerseys from “Yankees” to “New York.” This can be verified via the “Dressed to the Nines, a History of the Baseball Uniform” found on the Baseball Hall of Fame website. The change remains the same to this day.

This jersey has “NEW YORK” applied to the front in 2 ¾” traditional navy heavy felt lettering. The lettering is sized and styled in typical Yankees fashion. All of the lettering is original and unaltered. The sewing examination of the “NEW YORK” lettering shows a pull through method was used which created a blue, white, blue, white, etc pattern. This is found upon examination of the jersey when turned inside out. Further examination of the sewing of the “NEW YORK” shows a puckering effect when examining the reverse of this lettering. The puckering is caused from the stitching being anchored to the edges of the lettering and the material in-between gathering or rising. This causes a very slight separation between the fabric and the felt lettering. The separation creates a puckering effect. Puckering is a very positive and desirable trait that indicates the lettering is all original and placed there at the time of original issuance. When a jersey has been restored, the puckering effect is lost. Therefore, the examination of the professional sewing with the pull through stitches along with the puckering effect, this jersey has remained all original and was not sent down to the minor leagues to be recycled which was a common occurrence for Yankees jerseys from this era.

The second key identifier attributing this jersey to use by Babe Ruth is the uniform number 3 found on the reverse of this jersey. The Yankees began wearing uniform numbers in 1929 but not until 1931 was the uniform number found in conjunction with the front “NEW YORK”, thus making this jersey style no earlier than 1931. The reverse 3 is made of heavy navy felt and measures 6 15/16”. The 3 is attached via the same straight professional stitching pattern as found on the front lettering. Again, the stitching has created puckering indicating the number is all unaltered as originally issued to be worn. A season or more of use has created the puckering effect and guarantees the jersey is original and unaltered. Upon inspection of the 3, it is noted there is slight separation from the fabric of the right edge.

No patches or outlines of patches were found on the sleeves or other areas. This was checked via an inspection of both the inside and outside of the jersey. If a patch had been applied, the outline from the removal of the stitching would be present. No patches were issued for Yankees jerseys from this era, so patches nor outlines should not be found on a jersey worn by Babe Ruth or any Yankee from this era. This fact again verifies use by Babe Ruth only and eliminating the fact of the jersey being sent for minor league use which would have been indicated if outlines of patches would have been found.

A unique characteristic is found on this jersey. On the rear tail a 2 ¾” x 1 ½” reinforced patch with the remains of the original tie down feature is found. Under the last button on the front there is a four-hole pattern used for the placement of the connecting of the drawstring with the rear tail reinforcement. This was applied to keep the jersey inside of the pants. This tie down feature is a known characteristic of Babe Ruth and a very desirable feature on this jersey.

The jersey also exhibits a under arm air vent system designed to cool the players during games played during the heat of summer. Each underarm is factory designed with a 6 hole reinforced stitched ventilation system. The holes are manufactured into a diamond shaped swatch of material, which connects the underarm sleeves to the body of the jersey.

Another feature of this jersey is the convex tail opening, which joins the side seam gusset and is attached with a reinforced triangular patch of gray flannel material. Also the bottom tail is hemmed with a reinforced seam.

The style of this jersey has been determined to be issued to be worn by Babe Ruth and the New York Yankees circa 1931/32. The drop of the Y can be seen on jerseys worn during these two seasons and has been confirmed through photographic study using dozens of period exemplars. The change from Yankees to New York first took place in 1931 and continued to this day without additional change, but the exact style of “NEW YORK” changed, apparently during the 1933 season according to the photograph comparisons we made. Therefore, the style of this jersey was indicative to usage for the years 1931-32 although it is not impossible that this style may have been re-used again during the 1933 season as the Yankees were known to use shirts the next year as well and may show up in some period photographs. Because of this practice, we are using the term circa since no exact year appears on the jersey.

When examining the placement of the lettering that makes up the NEW YORK, it is very noticeable that the Y drops significantly below the arch of the rest of the lettering. This drop of the Y is a distinguishable feature found on this jersey. The drop of the “Y” was found on photographs of 1932 Yankees jerseys. It should be noted that the dropped “Y” is visible on the documented photo of Babe Ruth crossing home plate after hitting the “Called Shot” homerun.

In the photo we have reviewed, and exact duplication of the examined jersey and the photo provided of Babe Ruth during the called shot game did not provide us with an exact match of photo to jersey. What the photo did provide was a photographic style match of the jersey. The photo provided us with the facts that:

1.) Babe Ruth was wearing a road gray jersey with NEW YORK on the front
2.) The Y in NEW YORK had a drop similar to the photo of Babe Ruth crossing the plate. No other exact detail could be found which either matched the examined jersey to the photo nor did the photo exclude the jersey from exactly matching the photo. Our examination concluded the photo was inconclusive to determine an exact photo match jersey to photo.

For the sake of full disclosure, this jersey was originally sold by Grey Flannel on November 10th & 11th, 1999, lot 491. It was originally offered as a 1930 road acquired during the spring of 1931. Photographs found of the 1931 Yankees showed them wearing jerseys with YANKEES on the front, a style last used during the 1930 season. Due to the fact this jersey reads NEW YORK, the original consignor may have been off by a season or two in his memory of the jersey, but no mention to the Called Shot or the 1932 World Series was mentioned during the original offering of this jersey.

Regarding condition and wear, the following has been determined. The jersey exhibits signs of heavy and significant wear. The amount of wear would be consistent with use from the majority of a season to possible usage during two seasons. Two distinct signs from wear are evident:

1.) The back left shoulder has a tear which measures approximately 1 ¾” long and ½” wide.
2.) The shoulders have begun to show signs of thinning which is associated with extended amounts of game wear. With the fact that the letter states the original owner obtained the jersey directly from Ruth, it should be safe to assume that all of the wear was accredited to Ruth.
3.) The jersey displays overall age toning, which is caused from the interaction of sweat and game use caused by playing games under the hot sun. Remember, during the time of Babe Ruth, night game had not be invented so all games played were under the hot sun in this flannel jersey. Fading of this nature indicates much use took place while wearing this jersey.

Other condition factors have been noticed with this jersey. None take away from the aesthetics or historical importance of this jersey and are only mentioned for the purpose of a complete evaluation.

1.) Minor thread separation is found where the body meets the bottom arms.
2.) A 1 ½” x 1 ½” area of red bleeding is found to the right and below of the
5th button.
3.) Bottom of the front left Yoke seams are 3 noticeable rust spots.
4.) Right front mid section exhibits 3 scattered spots.

5.) Left side has two eraser sized spots
6.) Other minor spots are found throughout the jersey.

Based on the total evaluation of the jersey presented to us, SCDA is confident to emphatically state this is an all original, properly tagged, styled, and numbered Babe Ruth jersey issued circa 1931/32 that matches the style of jersey worn during the most famous moment in sports history, “the Called Shot”. The fact that this is the very jersey he is wearing while crossing the plate in Chicago is a possibility in that no photographs that we could find eliminated this shirt from the mix, to be factual, everything on this shirt approximates that very shirt.

With only 6 Babe Ruth jerseys known to exist (one having been cut up by Donruss leaving 5), the opportunity to own a jersey of this magnitude is a once in a lifetime opportunity. We have graded this shirt an A9 due only to the minor tear and staining now apparent and this is simply a condition report, as the historical significance cannot be measured by a mere grade. At the time of examination, no finer road shirt of Babe Ruth exist. In addition, if at any time, more photographs or evidence surfaces that helps to further delineate this jersey, we will be more than happy to investigate what, if any, added information that may be deemed appropriate. We have based this opinion with the information made available to us at the time of examination. This jersey truly ranks as one of the finest pieces of sports memorabilia extant, one of the top condition all original Babe Ruth jerseys, and arguably the finest Babe Ruth road jersey known. It was a pleasure to offer our opinion on such a piece of Americana.

Sincerely,

Troy R. Kinunen
MEARS, Co-Lead Authenticator

May 24, 2005

With great pride we have prepared our findings for the following item submitted to us on behalf of Grey Flannel Collectibles. On April 29th, 2005, we examined and recorded the following information for the item to be auctioned on June 22, 2005, Lot #1, hologram #258587. Our methods included the physical examination of the jersey, recording detailed information via our patent pending Jersey Grading and Authentication Worksheet, copyright 2005, comparing it to our data base, taking and analyzing 100’s of high quality images of the actual jersey, comparing the data to other known or like examples, studying reference material provided to us which included photocopied photographs of Babe Ruth including team photos and action shots of players from this era, then compiling the following letter of opinion.

The jersey inspected is Babe Ruth. The jersey was issued as the road grey version to be worn during the course of the regular season and perchance the post season, i.e. World Series. The jersey is manufactured from a grey flannel material consistent with other New York Yankees and other road jerseys manufactured to be worn by major league baseball players during this era. The jersey is similar in consistency to other examples of major league road jerseys we have examined.

The style was button down which was standard on major league jerseys from this era. Seven gray pearl buttons were used. All buttons are original with none missing.

The jersey is manufactured by Spalding and tagged on the inside collar to the right of the player identifier. The square white tag with black lettering reads “A.G. SPALDING & BROS., MADE IN USA, REG US PAT OFF, SPALDING TRADE MARK (Standard Baseball logo design)” This tag is correct and found on documented examples of early 1930s major league baseball and New York Yankees jerseys. The tag is all original with no signs of tampering.

Regarding the size of the jersey, no size tag is present. Size tags were not standard on jerseys from this period so the lack of one is not an issue. The measurement across the chest is 25” which equates to approximately a size 50, which would be an acceptable size for someone of Babe Ruth’s size and weight from that stage of his career.

One of the key identifiers to this jersey is the player name found in the collar. The name Ruth G. H appears in red thread sewn directly into the collar and to the left of the Spalding manufacturers tag. The script of the Ruth G. H is stylized and slants to the right. The process of its application was free hand. The application of the thread forming the GH Ruth is applied to the first fold of the collar only and does not penetrate the reverse of the collar. This is proper and to be expected on the player identifiers found in the neck of jerseys from this period. Another Babe Ruth New York Yankees home jersey was used to compare this process of applying the player identifier. The Babe Ruth jersey used for comparison was a home example and the application of the 3 (introduced in 1929) on reverse of jersey dates this example from the same era. Examination of the Ruth G. H player I.D. in collar of the road jersey shown similarities to the Ruth G. H in the home example. Although not an exact match, the style, consistency and free hand nature indicated similarities in both jerseys. With this player identifier being all original and untampered with, attribution to Babe Ruth becomes definite.

Starting in 1931, the Yankees changed the front of their jerseys from “Yankees” to “New York.” This can be verified via the “Dressed to the Nines, a History of the Baseball Uniform” found on the Baseball Hall of Fame website. The change remains the same to this day.

This jersey has “NEW YORK” applied to the front in 2 ¾” traditional navy heavy felt lettering. The lettering is sized and styled in typical Yankees fashion. All of the lettering is original and unaltered. The sewing examination of the “NEW YORK” lettering shows a pull through method was used which created a blue, white, blue, white, etc pattern. This is found upon examination of the jersey when turned inside out. Further examination of the sewing of the “NEW YORK” shows a puckering effect when examining the reverse of this lettering. The puckering is caused from the stitching being anchored to the edges of the lettering and the material in-between gathering or rising. This causes a very slight separation between the fabric and the felt lettering. The separation creates a puckering effect. Puckering is a very positive and desirable trait that indicates the lettering is all original and placed there at the time of original issuance. When a jersey has been restored, the puckering effect is lost. Therefore, the examination of the professional sewing with the pull through stitches along with the puckering effect, this jersey has remained all original and was not sent down to the minor leagues to be recycled which was a common occurrence for Yankees jerseys from this era.

The second key identifier attributing this jersey to use by Babe Ruth is the uniform number 3 found on the reverse of this jersey. The Yankees began wearing uniform numbers in 1929 but not until 1931 was the uniform number found in conjunction with the front “NEW YORK”, thus making this jersey style no earlier than 1931. The reverse 3 is made of heavy navy felt and measures 6 15/16”. The 3 is attached via the same straight professional stitching pattern as found on the front lettering. Again, the stitching has created puckering indicating the number is all unaltered as originally issued to be worn. A season or more of use has created the puckering effect and guarantees the jersey is original and unaltered. Upon inspection of the 3, it is noted there is slight separation from the fabric of the right edge.

No patches or outlines of patches were found on the sleeves or other areas. This was checked via an inspection of both the inside and outside of the jersey. If a patch had been applied, the outline from the removal of the stitching would be present. No patches were issued for Yankees jerseys from this era, so patches nor outlines should not be found on a jersey worn by Babe Ruth or any Yankee from this era. This fact again verifies use by Babe Ruth only and eliminating the fact of the jersey being sent for minor league use which would have been indicated if outlines of patches would have been found.

A unique characteristic is found on this jersey. On the rear tail a 2 ¾” x 1 ½” reinforced patch with the remains of the original tie down feature is found. Under the last button on the front there is a four-hole pattern used for the placement of the connecting of the drawstring with the rear tail reinforcement. This was applied to keep the jersey inside of the pants. This tie down feature is a known characteristic of Babe Ruth and a very desirable feature on this jersey.

The jersey also exhibits a under arm air vent system designed to cool the players during games played during the heat of summer. Each underarm is factory designed with a 6 hole reinforced stitched ventilation system. The holes are manufactured into a diamond shaped swatch of material, which connects the underarm sleeves to the body of the jersey.

Another feature of this jersey is the convex tail opening, which joins the side seam gusset and is attached with a reinforced triangular patch of gray flannel material. Also the bottom tail is hemmed with a reinforced seam.

The style of this jersey has been determined to be issued to be worn by Babe Ruth and the New York Yankees circa 1931/32. The drop of the Y can be seen on jerseys worn during these two seasons and has been confirmed through photographic study using dozens of period exemplars. The change from Yankees to New York first took place in 1931 and continued to this day without additional change, but the exact style of “NEW YORK” changed, apparently during the 1933 season according to the photograph comparisons we made. Therefore, the style of this jersey was indicative to usage for the years 1931-32 although it is not impossible that this style may have been re-used again during the 1933 season as the Yankees were known to use shirts the next year as well and may show up in some period photographs. Because of this practice, we are using the term circa since no exact year appears on the jersey.

When examining the placement of the lettering that makes up the NEW YORK, it is very noticeable that the Y drops significantly below the arch of the rest of the lettering. This drop of the Y is a distinguishable feature found on this jersey. The drop of the “Y” was found on photographs of 1932 Yankees jerseys. It should be noted that the dropped “Y” is visible on the documented photo of Babe Ruth crossing home plate after hitting the “Called Shot” homerun.

In the photo we have reviewed, and exact duplication of the examined jersey and the photo provided of Babe Ruth during the called shot game did not provide us with an exact match of photo to jersey. What the photo did provide was a photographic style match of the jersey. The photo provided us with the facts that:

1.) Babe Ruth was wearing a road gray jersey with NEW YORK on the front
2.) The Y in NEW YORK had a drop similar to the photo of Babe Ruth crossing the plate. No other exact detail could be found which either matched the examined jersey to the photo nor did the photo exclude the jersey from exactly matching the photo. Our examination concluded the photo was inconclusive to determine an exact photo match jersey to photo.

For the sake of full disclosure, this jersey was originally sold by Grey Flannel on November 10th & 11th, 1999, lot 491. It was originally offered as a 1930 road acquired during the spring of 1931. Photographs found of the 1931 Yankees showed them wearing jerseys with YANKEES on the front, a style last used during the 1930 season. Due to the fact this jersey reads NEW YORK, the original consignor may have been off by a season or two in his memory of the jersey, but no mention to the Called Shot or the 1932 World Series was mentioned during the original offering of this jersey.

Regarding condition and wear, the following has been determined. The jersey exhibits signs of heavy and significant wear. The amount of wear would be consistent with use from the majority of a season to possible usage during two seasons. Two distinct signs from wear are evident:

1.) The back left shoulder has a tear which measures approximately 1 ¾” long and ½” wide.
2.) The shoulders have begun to show signs of thinning which is associated with extended amounts of game wear. With the fact that the letter states the original owner obtained the jersey directly from Ruth, it should be safe to assume that all of the wear was accredited to Ruth.
3.) The jersey displays overall age toning, which is caused from the interaction of sweat and game use caused by playing games under the hot sun. Remember, during the time of Babe Ruth, night game had not be invented so all games played were under the hot sun in this flannel jersey. Fading of this nature indicates much use took place while wearing this jersey.

Other condition factors have been noticed with this jersey. None take away from the aesthetics or historical importance of this jersey and are only mentioned for the purpose of a complete evaluation.

1.) Minor thread separation is found where the body meets the bottom arms.
2.) A 1 ½” x 1 ½” area of red bleeding is found to the right and below of the
5th button.
3.) Bottom of the front left Yoke seams are 3 noticeable rust spots.
4.) Right front mid section exhibits 3 scattered spots.

5.) Left side has two eraser sized spots
6.) Other minor spots are found throughout the jersey.

Based on the total evaluation of the jersey presented to us, SCDA is confident to emphatically state this is an all original, properly tagged, styled, and numbered Babe Ruth jersey issued circa 1931/32 that matches the style of jersey worn during the most famous moment in sports history, “the Called Shot”. The fact that this is the very jersey he is wearing while crossing the plate in Chicago is a possibility in that no photographs that we could find eliminated this shirt from the mix, to be factual, everything on this shirt approximates that very shirt.

With only 6 Babe Ruth jerseys known to exist (one having been cut up by Donruss leaving 5), the opportunity to own a jersey of this magnitude is a once in a lifetime opportunity. We have graded this shirt an A9 due only to the minor tear and staining now apparent and this is simply a condition report, as the historical significance cannot be measured by a mere grade. At the time of examination, no finer road shirt of Babe Ruth exist. In addition, if at any time, more photographs or evidence surfaces that helps to further delineate this jersey, we will be more than happy to investigate what, if any, added information that may be deemed appropriate. We have based this opinion with the information made available to us at the time of examination. This jersey truly ranks as one of the finest pieces of sports memorabilia extant, one of the top condition all original Babe Ruth jerseys, and arguably the finest Babe Ruth road jersey known. It was a pleasure to offer our opinion on such a piece of Americana.

Sincerely,

Troy R. Kinunen
MEARS, Co-Lead Authenticator

December 3, 2005

On 10-28-05, we examined the following item for the December 2005 Mastro Net Auction and reported the following via the MEARS Bat Grading & Authentication Official Worksheet ã2005 Summary. Our findings:

“Lou Gehrig professional model Louisville Slugger bat side written and returned 7-7-28”

When asked about bats during the 1928 season, Lou Gehrig replied, “When you buy a bat look for the Louisville Slugger oval trademark. It is your guarantee of the highest quality in bats. It is the mark of experts in selecting, seasoning and turning bats of perfect balance, spring, and driving power.”…Knack of Batting published by Louisville Slugger, 1928

This bat, MEARS certification #301530, was one of the exact bats Lou had in mind while making that remark.

Manufacturer Characteristics

Center Brand
The bat was manufactured by Louisville Slugger and exhibited the 1921-31 centerbrand. Inspection of the bat detailed the pre-model number version. Production methods of the period were completed without the addition of a model number. Model numbers were not introduced until the 1943 season.

Player’s Name Barrel Stampings
In 1923, Lou Gehrig signed an exclusive contract with Hillerich & Bradsby that allowed the bat manufacture to place the script Lou Gehrig signature on the barrel of its bats. Therefore, a factory applied “Lou Gehrig” signature appears on the barrel end. This is the large version of “Lou Gehrig” signature, which is found on Louisville Slugger bats. In later years H&B changed the factory dye stampings and small version Lou Gehrig barrel signature could be found. The large or first version of the signature was standard on bats issued to Gehrig during the 1920’s and therefore this barrel stamping is appropriate. Beautiful dark factory stampings create a nice contrast versus the amber colored wood grain.

Year Used
Bat was returned to the factory and labeled on 7-7-28 in vintage grease pencil. Judging by the significant use, the bat was most likely used during the portion(s) of the season prior to 7-7-28 with possible use during previous seasons, including 1927. This particular bat with significant use is very desirable trait sought after when examining game use on a bat. With the finding of 3 deeply embedded stitch marks, deadwood caused by raised grain from repeated ball contact, and a 1”x 7” flattened hitting surface, use could have been obtained from a season or more of game use. Factory returned bats could have been used in previous seasons, therefore, use during 1928 and possibly 1927 could be attributed especially in light of the significant game use traits.

Weight
A recent weighing of the bat determined its present weight to be 36.8 ounces. Factory side writing, which documented the weight of the bat at the time it was returned to the factory, stated 38 ounce. Due to the amount of time that has passed, a 1.2-ounce loss in weight is both acceptable and commonly found on bats from this period.

Length
The bat measures 35” in length. This measurement was documented via the factory side writing, which was found on the bat. Both the length (35”) and weight (36.8 ounces, 38 ounces originally) are acceptable for bats made for Lou Gehrig to use during the 1920s.

Knob
The knob of the bat has been determined to be of the small version. The small version can best be described as a flare in size with the beginning of edges, which formed the small knob.

Barrel Style
The barrel was round which was the most common style of the day.

Wood
In Louisville Slugger’s own booklet, “the Knack of Batting”, the type of wood, which was carefully selected for use for a star of Gehrig’s caliber, is discussed at length. The booklet reported that hardwood, second growth ash was required for professional model bats. The kind of soil in which the trees grows is also important. It must be deep loam with a gravely sub-soil. It must be in a sheltered location, on the steep banks of glens, rivers, and lakes. The best ash is found where trees grow in masses. In order that the timber may be perfect when it is turned into a bat, no artificial method of seasoning is used. While stored, the piles are turned at least three times a year to guard against worms, to complete the process of drying and to prevent warping and checking. The seasoning process in nature’s own way requires from one to two years and it is the driving power to Louisville Slugger bats. Only once the billets of selected ash are thoroughly dried are they ready for the lathes.

With a thorough examination of the wood at the Mastro Net’s office, MEARS determined this to be a wood of the absolute highest quality and meeting all of the quality mentioned above further proving this bat was selected after meeting the factories highest standards.

Factory Records in the form of side writing
Complete factory records found on personal player bat records become standardized in 1930. Prior to, the factory archived lathe bats, vault marked bats, and side written bats that served as primary records for the manufacturing of bats for players. Therefore, for pre 1930 bats, side written examples are the basis of the factory records as they were kept “in house” and were the actual physical examples used as record.

The Mastro Net bat, certification #301530, exhibits documented side writing.
Found on the barrel in vintage grease pencil applied by lathe hand Henry Morrow, was:
“H.L. Gehrig 7-7-28” and “7-7-28 35 38 oz New York Amer.”

Examined side written examples found in the MEARS database include the following which allows for the examination of the consistency of the writing style, placement, letter structure, and diction.

Documented side written examples from Henry Morrow’s own hand which are found in the MEARS database photo file:

Babe Ruth 3-23-23 Louisville Slugger
Babe Ruth 1927 Louisville Slugger
Dave Bancroft 8-7-26 Louisville Slugger
Edd Roush 5-18-26 Louisville Slugger
Gabby Harnett 1925 Louisville Slugger
Lou Gehrig 1932 Hanna Batrite
Tony Lazzeri 8-29-28 Louisville Slugger
Lloyd Waner 4-4-28 Louisville Slugger
Hugh Jennings 4-28-27 Louisville Slugger lathe
Lou Gehrig 5-13-26 Louisville Slugger lathe
Lou Correll 4-28-28 Louisville Slugger

When comparing the Mastro Net Lou Gehrig bat, certification #301530, to the side written examples in the MEARS database, we found that the writing was very consistent with the examples examined which allowed us to verify the side writing as authentic and original. Specific style and lettering matches of the HL Gehrig 7-7-28 as these letters were found within the writing of the examples in our database. For example, we found the following writing matches in HL Gehrig 7-7-28 :

H matches Hugh Jennings 4-28-27 Louisville Slugger lathe
L matches Lazzeri 8-29-28 Louisville Slugger

G matches Gabby Harnett
e matches lower case e in Jennins
h matches lower case H in Babe Ruth 3-23-23
r matches lower case in Tony Lazzeri 8-29-28
I matches lower case in Tony LazzerI 8-29-28
g matches lower case in Lou Gehrig 5-13-26 Louisville Slugger lathe

‘28 matches all of the 8’s found in the database.

Finally, the writing style of the Mastro Net Gehrig (certification #301530) perfectly matches the Lou Gehrig 5-13-26 Louisville Slugger lathe bat.

By studying the formation of the letters and numbers in the listed side written examples and comparing them to the Mastro Net Gehrig (certification #301530) the overwhelming number of matches verify that all of the side writing was applied in the same hand. By determining the side writing all matched, it can be determined that the side writing Mastro Net Gehrig (certification #301530) is authentic as applied by Henry Morrow on 7-7-28. With the side writing being the key identifying component to the authenticity of the bat, it can be certain that this was the exact bat returned by Lou Gehrig to the Louisville Slugger factory and both the bat and side writing is all original with no alterations.

Trend Analysis

A complete review of all bats graded by MEARS finds that only two other Louisville Sluggers have been graded as of 12/1/05. The bat is consistent in manufacturer specifications for Lou Gehrig bats that we have examined. These examples are consistent as examples of Lou Gehrig bats issued to him during the period of 1921-34, permitting some sort of trend analysis and verification of Louisville Slugger as a known Yankee’s supplier during Gehrig’s playing career.

35” Lou Gehrig Louisville Slugger 1921-31 MEARS A2.5
35” Lou Gehrig Louisville Slugger 1933-34 MEARS A10

Our database verifies this bat as:

– One of 2 Lou Gehrig bats examined by MEARS used by Gehrig during the 1920’s.
– The highest graded 1920’s Lou Gehrig bat examined by MEARS
– The only 1920s side written Lou Gehrig bat examined by MEARS

Player Characteristics

Game Use
Our evaluation of the bat determined significant use was present. The bat was most likely used during the portion(s) of the season prior to 7-7-28 with possible use during previous seasons, including 1927. This particular bat with significant use is very desirable trait sought after when examining game use on a bat. With the finding of 3 deeply embedded stitch marks found below the Lou Gehrig factory stampings, deadwood on reverse of barrel was caused by raised grain from repeated ball contact, and a 1”x 7” flattened hitting surface, use could have been obtained from a season or more of game use. Factory returned bats could have been used in previous seasons, therefore, use during 1928 and possibly 1927 could be attributed especially in light of the significant game use traits. A 9” H-shaped handle crack is found and was most likely the reason the bat was returned to the factory. At least 4 distinct cleat marks are found in the area of the deadwood.

Another trait of this bat is the presence of 3 ringlets of handle tape. Photographic evidence documents many instances of Lou Gehrig with tape on the handle.

Conclusion:

With a bat perfectly matching factory records and the existence of documented Henry Morrow side writing, this bat currently ranks as the #1 bat examined by MEARS due to its unquestionable documentation via the side writing, perfect manufacturers characteristics, and overall superb eye appeal.

Sincerely,

Troy R. Kinunen
MEARS Evaluations and Grading

December 3, 2005

On 10-28-05, we examined the following item for the December 2005 Mastro Net Auction and reported the following via the MEARS Bat Grading & Authentication Official Worksheet ã2005 Summary. Our findings:

“Lou Gehrig professional model Louisville Slugger bat side written and returned 7-7-28”

When asked about bats during the 1928 season, Lou Gehrig replied, “When you buy a bat look for the Louisville Slugger oval trademark. It is your guarantee of the highest quality in bats. It is the mark of experts in selecting, seasoning and turning bats of perfect balance, spring, and driving power.”…Knack of Batting published by Louisville Slugger, 1928

This bat, MEARS certification #301530, was one of the exact bats Lou had in mind while making that remark.

Manufacturer Characteristics

Center Brand
The bat was manufactured by Louisville Slugger and exhibited the 1921-31 centerbrand. Inspection of the bat detailed the pre-model number version. Production methods of the period were completed without the addition of a model number. Model numbers were not introduced until the 1943 season.

Player’s Name Barrel Stampings
In 1923, Lou Gehrig signed an exclusive contract with Hillerich & Bradsby that allowed the bat manufacture to place the script Lou Gehrig signature on the barrel of its bats. Therefore, a factory applied “Lou Gehrig” signature appears on the barrel end. This is the large version of “Lou Gehrig” signature, which is found on Louisville Slugger bats. In later years H&B changed the factory dye stampings and small version Lou Gehrig barrel signature could be found. The large or first version of the signature was standard on bats issued to Gehrig during the 1920’s and therefore this barrel stamping is appropriate. Beautiful dark factory stampings create a nice contrast versus the amber colored wood grain.

Year Used
Bat was returned to the factory and labeled on 7-7-28 in vintage grease pencil. Judging by the significant use, the bat was most likely used during the portion(s) of the season prior to 7-7-28 with possible use during previous seasons, including 1927. This particular bat with significant use is very desirable trait sought after when examining game use on a bat. With the finding of 3 deeply embedded stitch marks, deadwood caused by raised grain from repeated ball contact, and a 1”x 7” flattened hitting surface, use could have been obtained from a season or more of game use. Factory returned bats could have been used in previous seasons, therefore, use during 1928 and possibly 1927 could be attributed especially in light of the significant game use traits.

Weight
A recent weighing of the bat determined its present weight to be 36.8 ounces. Factory side writing, which documented the weight of the bat at the time it was returned to the factory, stated 38 ounce. Due to the amount of time that has passed, a 1.2-ounce loss in weight is both acceptable and commonly found on bats from this period.

Length
The bat measures 35” in length. This measurement was documented via the factory side writing, which was found on the bat. Both the length (35”) and weight (36.8 ounces, 38 ounces originally) are acceptable for bats made for Lou Gehrig to use during the 1920s.

Knob
The knob of the bat has been determined to be of the small version. The small version can best be described as a flare in size with the beginning of edges, which formed the small knob.

Barrel Style
The barrel was round which was the most common style of the day.

Wood
In Louisville Slugger’s own booklet, “the Knack of Batting”, the type of wood, which was carefully selected for use for a star of Gehrig’s caliber, is discussed at length. The booklet reported that hardwood, second growth ash was required for professional model bats. The kind of soil in which the trees grows is also important. It must be deep loam with a gravely sub-soil. It must be in a sheltered location, on the steep banks of glens, rivers, and lakes. The best ash is found where trees grow in masses. In order that the timber may be perfect when it is turned into a bat, no artificial method of seasoning is used. While stored, the piles are turned at least three times a year to guard against worms, to complete the process of drying and to prevent warping and checking. The seasoning process in nature’s own way requires from one to two years and it is the driving power to Louisville Slugger bats. Only once the billets of selected ash are thoroughly dried are they ready for the lathes.

With a thorough examination of the wood at the Mastro Net’s office, MEARS determined this to be a wood of the absolute highest quality and meeting all of the quality mentioned above further proving this bat was selected after meeting the factories highest standards.

Factory Records in the form of side writing
Complete factory records found on personal player bat records become standardized in 1930. Prior to, the factory archived lathe bats, vault marked bats, and side written bats that served as primary records for the manufacturing of bats for players. Therefore, for pre 1930 bats, side written examples are the basis of the factory records as they were kept “in house” and were the actual physical examples used as record.

The Mastro Net bat, certification #301530, exhibits documented side writing.
Found on the barrel in vintage grease pencil applied by lathe hand Henry Morrow, was:
“H.L. Gehrig 7-7-28” and “7-7-28 35 38 oz New York Amer.”

Examined side written examples found in the MEARS database include the following which allows for the examination of the consistency of the writing style, placement, letter structure, and diction.

Documented side written examples from Henry Morrow’s own hand which are found in the MEARS database photo file:

Babe Ruth 3-23-23 Louisville Slugger
Babe Ruth 1927 Louisville Slugger
Dave Bancroft 8-7-26 Louisville Slugger
Edd Roush 5-18-26 Louisville Slugger
Gabby Harnett 1925 Louisville Slugger
Lou Gehrig 1932 Hanna Batrite
Tony Lazzeri 8-29-28 Louisville Slugger
Lloyd Waner 4-4-28 Louisville Slugger
Hugh Jennings 4-28-27 Louisville Slugger lathe
Lou Gehrig 5-13-26 Louisville Slugger lathe
Lou Correll 4-28-28 Louisville Slugger

When comparing the Mastro Net Lou Gehrig bat, certification #301530, to the side written examples in the MEARS database, we found that the writing was very consistent with the examples examined which allowed us to verify the side writing as authentic and original. Specific style and lettering matches of the HL Gehrig 7-7-28 as these letters were found within the writing of the examples in our database. For example, we found the following writing matches in HL Gehrig 7-7-28 :

H matches Hugh Jennings 4-28-27 Louisville Slugger lathe
L matches Lazzeri 8-29-28 Louisville Slugger

G matches Gabby Harnett
e matches lower case e in Jennins
h matches lower case H in Babe Ruth 3-23-23
r matches lower case in Tony Lazzeri 8-29-28
I matches lower case in Tony LazzerI 8-29-28
g matches lower case in Lou Gehrig 5-13-26 Louisville Slugger lathe

‘28 matches all of the 8’s found in the database.

Finally, the writing style of the Mastro Net Gehrig (certification #301530) perfectly matches the Lou Gehrig 5-13-26 Louisville Slugger lathe bat.

By studying the formation of the letters and numbers in the listed side written examples and comparing them to the Mastro Net Gehrig (certification #301530) the overwhelming number of matches verify that all of the side writing was applied in the same hand. By determining the side writing all matched, it can be determined that the side writing Mastro Net Gehrig (certification #301530) is authentic as applied by Henry Morrow on 7-7-28. With the side writing being the key identifying component to the authenticity of the bat, it can be certain that this was the exact bat returned by Lou Gehrig to the Louisville Slugger factory and both the bat and side writing is all original with no alterations.

Trend Analysis

A complete review of all bats graded by MEARS finds that only two other Louisville Sluggers have been graded as of 12/1/05. The bat is consistent in manufacturer specifications for Lou Gehrig bats that we have examined. These examples are consistent as examples of Lou Gehrig bats issued to him during the period of 1921-34, permitting some sort of trend analysis and verification of Louisville Slugger as a known Yankee’s supplier during Gehrig’s playing career.

35” Lou Gehrig Louisville Slugger 1921-31 MEARS A2.5
35” Lou Gehrig Louisville Slugger 1933-34 MEARS A10

Our database verifies this bat as:

– One of 2 Lou Gehrig bats examined by MEARS used by Gehrig during the 1920’s.
– The highest graded 1920’s Lou Gehrig bat examined by MEARS
– The only 1920s side written Lou Gehrig bat examined by MEARS

Player Characteristics

Game Use
Our evaluation of the bat determined significant use was present. The bat was most likely used during the portion(s) of the season prior to 7-7-28 with possible use during previous seasons, including 1927. This particular bat with significant use is very desirable trait sought after when examining game use on a bat. With the finding of 3 deeply embedded stitch marks found below the Lou Gehrig factory stampings, deadwood on reverse of barrel was caused by raised grain from repeated ball contact, and a 1”x 7” flattened hitting surface, use could have been obtained from a season or more of game use. Factory returned bats could have been used in previous seasons, therefore, use during 1928 and possibly 1927 could be attributed especially in light of the significant game use traits. A 9” H-shaped handle crack is found and was most likely the reason the bat was returned to the factory. At least 4 distinct cleat marks are found in the area of the deadwood.

Another trait of this bat is the presence of 3 ringlets of handle tape. Photographic evidence documents many instances of Lou Gehrig with tape on the handle.

Conclusion:

With a bat perfectly matching factory records and the existence of documented Henry Morrow side writing, this bat currently ranks as the #1 bat examined by MEARS due to its unquestionable documentation via the side writing, perfect manufacturers characteristics, and overall superb eye appeal.

Sincerely,

Troy R. Kinunen
MEARS Evaluations and Grading

November 6, 2005

The following item 1936 Joe DiMaggio New York Yankees Home jersey #9 & pants,
was submitted to MEARS for grading and evaluation on behalf of Sotheby’s/SCP. The item will appear for sale in the Sotheby’s with SCP December 2005 auction. Detailed photographs were taken and hologram number 303004 (jersey) & 303005 (pants) was assigned. Our evaluation methods included the physical examination of the item coupled with imagery analysis. The physical examination included a visual examination with the addition of both a light table and magnified light source. The examined jersey was compared to all of the known DiMaggio and Yankees jerseys from the era found in the MEARS database. Finally, 100’s of photos were examined and documented examples were compared to the actual jersey. Our findings were summarized and recorded on the accompanying patent pending Jersey Grading and Authentication Worksheet, copyright 2005. After the final review, the official MEARS letter of opinion was issued.

Our authentication team consisted of Dave Bushing, Dan Knoll, and Troy R. Kinunen with factual review by LTC Dave Grob.

Reference Materials Used:

MEARS database 1936 Spalding Jim Sundra Home jersey
MEARS database 1936 Spalding Red Ruffing Road jersey
MEARS database photo 1936 Joe DiMaggio (home jersey) with Bob Feller
Image 1 gettyimage NY8155
Image 2 corbis Lou Gehrig with Joe DiMaggio
Image 3 gettyimage Joe DiMaggio sitting
Image 4 sporting news Joe DiMaggio batting reverse #9
Time Magazine July 13th, 1936
MEARS database Yankees Spalding 1936 Home #15 PC27
MEARS database Yankees Spalding 1936 Road #15 PC27
Photo: actual jersey front left chest with outline of NY
Photo: actual jersey right sleeve construction
Photo: actual jersey complete front view
Photo: actual jersey complete reverse view showing #9
Photo: actual jersey close up #9
Photo: actual jersey Spalding tag and Joe DiMaggio 9 chain stitching
Photo: actual jersey close up 36 year chain stitching
Photo: actual jersey Joe DiMaggio 9 36 chain stitching and Spalding tag
Photo: actual jersey front view of pants
Photo: actual jersey close up of reverse of pants
Photo: Outline of NY photographed from light table
Life size color scan: inside of collar focusing on Spalding tag and Joe DiMaggio chain stitching
Life size color scan: close up of reverse 9 and pinstripes
Life size color scan: close up of year stitching and tail seam
Life size color scan: button openings and pinstriping
Life size color scan: reverse view of pull through stitching of 9
Life size color scan: Joe DiMaggio and Spalding tag pants details
Joe DiMaggio Albums. G.P. Putman Publishers, 1989

Style and Material

This 1936 Joe DiMaggio Yankees jersey was issued as the home pinstripe version to be worn during the course of the regular season and possibly the World Series. The jersey is manufactured from a cream pinstriped wool blend fabric consistent with other New York Yankees and additional major league home jerseys manufactured to be worn by major league baseball players during this era. This jersey is similar in consistency to other examples of major league home jerseys with respect to quality of material and construction to others examined from the same relative time frame.

The style was button down which was standard on major league jerseys from this era. Seven white pearl buttons were used. All buttons are original with none missing.

The jersey was issued with full length sleeves and were supported by the provided and examined photos: Image 1 gettyimage NY8155, Image 2 corbis Lou Gehrig with Joe DiMaggio, Image 3 gettyimage Joe DiMaggio sitting, Image 4 the sporting news Joe DiMaggio batting reverse #9, Time Magazine July 13th, 1936. Examination of this jersey shows that the sleeves were trimmed. No photos provided showed Joe DiMaggio with trimmed sleeves.

Manufacturer tagging, sizing, player I.D., & year I.D.

The jersey is manufactured by Spalding and tagged on the inside collar to the left of the “Joe DiMaggio 9” chainstitching player identifier. According to the MEARS database, the Spalding label is consistent for the period of approximately 1936-1942. The white tag with black lettering measures 1 ¼” x 1 ¼” and was sewn with a straight stitch, which does not protrude through the fold of the collar. Printed on the tag, “HIGHEST QUALITY, A.G. SPALDING & BROS., MADE IN U.S.A. , TRADE MARK SPALDING, REG. U.S. PAT. OFF.” (Circular baseball logo design) The tag is all original with no signs of tampering. The collar seams are original and thus lead us to believe the player identifier was not added at a later date. This style of tag was found on the 1936 Yankees jerseys MEARS had previously examined, the 1936 Sundra Home and Red Ruffing road. Comparing all 3 jerseys and determing matching tagging establish consistency of manufacturer.

This is the earliest known Joe DiMaggio playing career jersey found in the MEARS database. Other period jerseys include:

1935 Yankees Spalding Road Ruth
1936 Yankees Spalding Road Ruffing
1936 Yankees Spalding Home Sundra
1936 Yankees Spalding Home #15
1936 Yankees Spalding Road #15
1937 Yankees Spalding Home Fletcher
1937 Yankees Spalding Road Hadley
1938 Yankees Spalding Road Gomez

The jersey is similar in consistency of materials to other examples of major league jerseys we have examined. These examples are consistent as examples both before and after this shirt, permitting some sort of trend analysis and verification of Spalding as a known Yankee’s supplier during the 1936 season. Home examples were most helpful.

Other period Joe DiMaggio jerseys in the MEARS database are:

1939 Yankees Spalding Road DiMaggio
1941 Yankees Wilson Road DiMaggio
1946 Yankees Wilson Road DiMaggio
1947 Yankees Wilson Road DiMaggio
1948 Yankees Spalding Home DiMaggio
1948 Yankees Wilson Road DiMaggio
1951 Yankees Spalding Road DiMaggio

Data shows this is the earliest known Joe DiMaggio Yankees home jersey. Only one other home, the 1948 Yankees jersey was found in the MEARS database. Also, it is established that Spalding is a known manufacturer of the home jerseys for Joe DiMaggio while he played for the Yankees.

Regarding the size of the jersey, no size tag is present. Size tags were not standard on jerseys from this period so the lack of one is not an issue. The measurement across the chest is 24” which would be an acceptable size for someone of Joe DiMaggio’s size and weight from that stage of his career. (Height=6’2”, weight 193 pounds, courtesy of www.baseballreference.com)

One of the key identifiers to this jersey is the player name found in the collar. The name Joe Di Maggio 9 appears in faded red thread sewn directly into the collar to the right of the Spalding manufacturers tag. The script of the Joe Di Maggio 9 measures 3 ½” in length and ½” in height. The 1936 Home Sundra and 1936 Red Ruffing could again be used for comparison. Both exhibited the chainstitching found to the right of the Spalding tag. Both had first initial before last name, followed by the players’ uniform number. The DiMaggio jersey had his full name included as opposed to first initial only. Upon review of Spalding Yankees jerseys from the early to mid 1930’s, only one other example exists for the player’s first name being added to equipment. On Babe Ruth’s 1932 road Spalding pants, they were labeled as “Babe” Ruth. Joe DiMaggio is the only other player besides the Bambino to have his first name used to identify a part of his uniform.

The process of its application is free hand machine embroidery appliqué. The application of the thread forming the Joe Di Maggio 9 is applied to the first fold of the collar only and does not penetrate the reverse of the collar. This is proper and to be expected on the player identifiers found in the neck of Yankees jerseys from 1936 and again were supported by the 2 other Yankees jerseys we examined. With this player identifier being all original and untampered with, attribution to Joe DiMaggio is made.

Rear outer right tail finds a 1 ¼” x 2” red faded chained stitched year identifier, 36. This refers to the year of issuance, 1936. The year identifier is very similar in color, texture, and style to the Joe Di Maggio 9 player identifier. With the consistency of application and being all original, the year of this jersey can be positively attributed to issuance during 1936.

Style & Pinstriping

Starting in 1936, the Yankees changed the style of their jerseys with the addition of the interlocking NY to the front of their uniforms. This can be verified via the “Dressed to the Nines, a History of the Baseball Uniform” found on the Baseball Hall of Fame website. This style remained and in 1938 the Yankees added a sleeve patch. Therefore, the style of this jersey has been verified as the style that would have been worn by the Yankees during the 1936 season.

Although not present on this examined jersey (cert #301439), the outline of the interlocking NY can be seen when examined on the light table. The outline of the NY measured 3 ½” wide X 4” height. The outline was produced from the removal of the threads used to anchor the NY. The removal created stress on the fabric’s fibers that retained the shape of the NY. The sewing examination of the interlocking “NY” logo shows a pull through method was employed to anchor the team logo. The outline of the NY was important to the authentication of this jersey as it substantiated the style that was used during the 1936 season.

The removal of the “NY” is typically associated with the jersey being sent down to the minor leagues to be recycled which was a known practice of the New York Yankees.

Examination of the pinstriping found it to be factory dyed in one-inch widths. Again, the pinstipes matched width, color, and consistency with the 1936 Sundra Home Yankee jersey examined.

9

The second key identifier attributing this jersey to being worn by Joe DiMaggio during his rookie season of 1936 is the number 9 found on the reverse of this jersey. The Yankees have been wearing uniform numbers on the reverse of their jersey since 1929. Although Joe was famous for wearing uniform #5, it was 9 that was issued to him when he started his career with the New York Yankees. This can be verified by “Image 4 gettyimage Joe DiMaggio batting reverse #9” which we used for support of our examination along with the Joe DiMaggio Albums. Also 9 was chained stitched to the right of his name in the collar which was used to designate the player uniform number.

The reverse 9 is made of heavy navy wool blend and measures 4”x6”. The 9 is attached via a straight professional stitch pattern. The nine is all original an anchored with a professional straight stitched sewing pattern. The nine appears to be the original number as applied during the 1936 season and an irregularity of the fabric under the 9 was visible. Upon inspection of the 9, evaluation team member Dan Knoll noted the following:

…we have examined the back of the shirt with extreme scrutiny, assisted by a high intensity light table, and found irregularities that were detected in the weave of the pinstriped flannel in the general area upon which the number “9” is anchored. Such scrutiny is standard protocol in our examination of vintage baseball uniforms. It is our belief that such weaving inconsistencies can be attributed to simple irregularities not uncommon to wool and cotton flannel fabrics used in 20th century baseball uniforms. Such fabric traits are also a product of typical player wear. It is important to note that Joe DiMaggio possessed an axial skeletal abnormality (vertebral column and ribs), which was manifested by a protrusional rounding of his back along the area, were upon his number resided. Such an abnormality would contribute to an irregular concentration of contact between the numbered area of the jersey and the dugout bench or wall. Both the jersey and the number “9” on back display consistent wear throughout, leading us to firmly believe that this number is the same number which was anchored to the shirt when given to Joe DiMaggio at the start of the 1936 season.

Further examination found that no patches or outlines of patches were found on the sleeves or other areas. This was checked via an inspection of both the inside and outside of the jersey. If a patch had been applied, the outline from the removal of the stitching would be present. No patches were issued for Yankees jerseys from this era, so patches nor outlines should not be found on a jersey worn by Joe DiMaggio or any Yankee for wear during the 1936 season.

Additional Features

The jersey also exhibits a under arm gusset air vent system designed to cool the players during games played during the heat of summer. Each underarm is factory designed with a 6 hole reinforced stitched ventilation system. The holes are manufactured into a diamond shaped swatch of material, which connects the underarm sleeves to the body of the jersey.

Another feature of this jersey is the convex tail opening, which joins the side seam gusset and is attached with a reinforced triangular patch of flannel material. Also the bottom tail is hemmed with a reinforced seam. This structural feature is found on other period Yankees jerseys MEARS has examined.

Imagery Analysis

Imagery analysis was utilized to support the following:

1. To support point 1, we first examined the outline of the NY by exposing it to a light table. The outline of the NY became clearly visible with the introduction of the light source. The light source highlighted the outline of the interlocking “NY” in comparison to its placement between the pinstripes. The outline of the NY when exposed to the light table was examined and matched to the pinstripes to determine that this was the exact jersey worn by Joe DiMaggio during his 1936 rookie season.

– The photo showed that the first pinstripe started slightly to the left of the edge of the NY.
– The second pinstripe passed through the top of the left portion of the Y.
– The third pinstripe passed exactly between the opening of the Y.
– The fourth pinstripe passed through the right edge of the Y.
– The fifth and final pinstripe bordered on the right edge of the logo.

18 different points of the NY logo were matched to the pinstripes and all were deemed to perfectly match jersey to photo. Additionally, by establishing and verifying that the pinstripes were factory dyed in one-inch intervals, this could be used to establish the match between the size of the NY in the photo to the actual measurement produced from the outline made visible under the light table. When examining the photo, it could be seen that the width of the NY of the Yankee crest on the examined 1936 DiMaggio photos spanned the width of 4 pinstripes. It was determined that the pinstripes were issued in one-inch intervals, and the light table measurement of the NY outline established the width of the NY to be 4” across. Therefore the visual inspection of the NY covering the width of 4 one-inch pinstripes supported the actual measurement taken from the 4” image created from the outline of the NY when viewed on the light table. This established the fact that the NY was the proper width as issued by the New York Yankees for Joe DiMaggio to wear on his 1936 home jersey and verified by the matching referenced photographs.

Reference materials included:
Image 1 gettyimage NY8155
Image 2 corbis Lou Gehrig with Joe DiMaggio
Image 3 gettyimage Joe DiMaggio sitting
Image 4 gettyimage Joe DiMaggio batting reverse #9
Sporting News 1936 rookie year home jersey image

2. Known dated photos from 1936 were compared to the examined jersey (cert #303004). Focus was on the pinstripes and their alignment in conjunction with buttons, outline of the NY, and other pinstripes with special focus on the collar/yoke section. Analysis proved the pinstripes were identically placed when compared with the 1936 rookie photo, therefore, proving this jersey was the exact as in the photo.

3. All references below are in regards to the supplied photos. Left relates to the left side of the photo which would be the right portion of the actual jersey.

– First Stripe on the front button flap passed cleanly to the left of all front button.
– Second pinstripe passed cleanly to the right of the front button flap and runs upward to the collar line
– Third pinstripe in the collar line was contained only to the collar line area.
– Fourth pinstripe in the collar line was longer than the third and contained only in the collar line area.
– Fifth pinstripe in the collar line was longer than the fourth and split the middle on the third and fourth pinstripes on the jersey front.
– The four pinstripes in the left collar line were all consistent with the provided 1936 photo.
– The four pinstripes in the left collar line perfectly matched the underlying pinstripes found on the left front chest of the jersey.
– The striping on the photo of the left shoulder aligns perfectly with the left front chest pinstriping.

4. 9 was worn by Joe DiMaggio during his 1936 season. Photo Image 4 the sporting news, 1936, Joe DiMaggio batting reverse #9 and the Joe DiMaggio Albums. G.P. Putman Publishers, 1989 supported this.

5. When comparing the jersey (cert #303004) to the provided photos, the photos all show a full length sleeve appearing on the jersey. The examined jersey has shorted sleeves. The edges appear to be rough-cut and not factory sewn.

In summary of the process of photo analysis, MEARS determined that the examined jersey, certification number 303004 (jersey), was an exact photo match to the photo provided and referenced.

Wear and condition

The jersey (cert #303004) was also examined for condition and wear. The jersey exhibits signs of significant wear. The amount of wear would be consistent with use from the majority of a season. Although issued to a minor league player, the jersey does not exhibit the excessive wear commonly associated with jerseys that were worn for seasons of minor league play. Most importantly, the jersey remains free from the addition of a minor league affiliates logo or team name. The jersey remains in remarkable original condition. Wear is manifested by even toning of the fabric. Wear is found in the collar area and the fabric shows more toning and fraying and compacting of the fabric in that area, but again, this is associated with legitimate game wear.

The shoulders do not show excessive wear. This area was examined, as this is an area that shows the most wear when a jersey was re-issued to be worn for more than one season. Small pinholes were found on the right side of the jersey.

The jersey displays overall age toning, which is caused from the interaction of sweat and game use caused by playing games under the hot sun. While the first night game was played at Crosely Field in Cincinnati on May 24th, 1935, the Yankees did not begin playing night baseball at Yankee Stadium until May 28th, 1946.

Other condition factors have been noticed with this jersey. None take away from the aesthetics or historical importance of this jersey and are only mentioned for the purpose of a complete evaluation.

Pants

Included is a pair of rookie Joe DiMaggio pants. Spalding manufactures the pants. Joe Di Maggio 9 appears in the waistband in the same red thread as the shirt. The same period 1936 Spalding tag appears to the right of the chainstitching. The pants were manufactured with belt loops and two back pockets. The pants are all original and exhibit wear consistent with the jersey. These pants were the very ones issued with the jersey during 1936 to complete the Yankees standard issue home uniform.

Conclusion

Based on the total evaluation of the uniform presented, 303004 (jersey) & 303005 (pants), MEARS is confident to emphatically state this is an all original Joe DiMaggio uniform consisting of jersey and pants. The jersey has its original shell, proper tagging, was originally issued with an authentic and properly sized NY logo, and numbered with an original 9. The uniform matches the photos of him wearing this exact jersey and style of pants during his rookie season of 1936. Someone other than Joe DiMaggio shortened the sleeves at a later time. All of the 1936 Yankees home photos of Joe DiMaggio support this as being his rookie jersey.

With only 7 known Joe DiMaggio jerseys examined to date and only one other home (1948), this is the earliest known home Joe DiMaggio jersey ever offered. We have graded this jersey an A6.5 due to the removal of the NY and cut sleeves. The clearly visible outline of the NY and its placement in conjunction with the vertical pinstriping was instrumental in the verifying of authenticity and the attribution of this jersey to Joe DiMaggio for use during his 1936 rookie season.

It should also be noted that the removal of the NY serves as a very important fact as to the jerseys survival of the last 69 years. After being worn by Joe DiMaggio during his rookie year of 1936, the jersey was sent to the minor leagues where it was issued to Charles “Smoke” Mason. At some point shortly thereafter, the new owner put the jersey away for safe keeping. The minor leaguer with an appreciation for the great Joe DiMaggio saved a uniform that would soon become a very historical item. The removal of the NY was a very common practice on period Yankees jerseys and all original examples are few and far between as the Yankees sent the majority of their jerseys into their minor league system. The historical importance of this jersey with the supporting photographic documentation easily overcomes the absence of the NY and cut sleeves. At the time of examination, a more historical Joe DiMaggio jersey does not exist.

Sincerely,

Troy R. Kinunen
MEARS

November 6, 2005

The following item 1936 Joe DiMaggio New York Yankees Home jersey #9 & pants,
was submitted to MEARS for grading and evaluation on behalf of Sotheby’s/SCP. The item will appear for sale in the Sotheby’s with SCP December 2005 auction. Detailed photographs were taken and hologram number 303004 (jersey) & 303005 (pants) was assigned. Our evaluation methods included the physical examination of the item coupled with imagery analysis. The physical examination included a visual examination with the addition of both a light table and magnified light source. The examined jersey was compared to all of the known DiMaggio and Yankees jerseys from the era found in the MEARS database. Finally, 100’s of photos were examined and documented examples were compared to the actual jersey. Our findings were summarized and recorded on the accompanying patent pending Jersey Grading and Authentication Worksheet, copyright 2005. After the final review, the official MEARS letter of opinion was issued.

Our authentication team consisted of Dave Bushing, Dan Knoll, and Troy R. Kinunen with factual review by LTC Dave Grob.

Reference Materials Used:

MEARS database 1936 Spalding Jim Sundra Home jersey
MEARS database 1936 Spalding Red Ruffing Road jersey
MEARS database photo 1936 Joe DiMaggio (home jersey) with Bob Feller
Image 1 gettyimage NY8155
Image 2 corbis Lou Gehrig with Joe DiMaggio
Image 3 gettyimage Joe DiMaggio sitting
Image 4 sporting news Joe DiMaggio batting reverse #9
Time Magazine July 13th, 1936
MEARS database Yankees Spalding 1936 Home #15 PC27
MEARS database Yankees Spalding 1936 Road #15 PC27
Photo: actual jersey front left chest with outline of NY
Photo: actual jersey right sleeve construction
Photo: actual jersey complete front view
Photo: actual jersey complete reverse view showing #9
Photo: actual jersey close up #9
Photo: actual jersey Spalding tag and Joe DiMaggio 9 chain stitching
Photo: actual jersey close up 36 year chain stitching
Photo: actual jersey Joe DiMaggio 9 36 chain stitching and Spalding tag
Photo: actual jersey front view of pants
Photo: actual jersey close up of reverse of pants
Photo: Outline of NY photographed from light table
Life size color scan: inside of collar focusing on Spalding tag and Joe DiMaggio chain stitching
Life size color scan: close up of reverse 9 and pinstripes
Life size color scan: close up of year stitching and tail seam
Life size color scan: button openings and pinstriping
Life size color scan: reverse view of pull through stitching of 9
Life size color scan: Joe DiMaggio and Spalding tag pants details
Joe DiMaggio Albums. G.P. Putman Publishers, 1989

Style and Material

This 1936 Joe DiMaggio Yankees jersey was issued as the home pinstripe version to be worn during the course of the regular season and possibly the World Series. The jersey is manufactured from a cream pinstriped wool blend fabric consistent with other New York Yankees and additional major league home jerseys manufactured to be worn by major league baseball players during this era. This jersey is similar in consistency to other examples of major league home jerseys with respect to quality of material and construction to others examined from the same relative time frame.

The style was button down which was standard on major league jerseys from this era. Seven white pearl buttons were used. All buttons are original with none missing.

The jersey was issued with full length sleeves and were supported by the provided and examined photos: Image 1 gettyimage NY8155, Image 2 corbis Lou Gehrig with Joe DiMaggio, Image 3 gettyimage Joe DiMaggio sitting, Image 4 the sporting news Joe DiMaggio batting reverse #9, Time Magazine July 13th, 1936. Examination of this jersey shows that the sleeves were trimmed. No photos provided showed Joe DiMaggio with trimmed sleeves.

Manufacturer tagging, sizing, player I.D., & year I.D.

The jersey is manufactured by Spalding and tagged on the inside collar to the left of the “Joe DiMaggio 9” chainstitching player identifier. According to the MEARS database, the Spalding label is consistent for the period of approximately 1936-1942. The white tag with black lettering measures 1 ¼” x 1 ¼” and was sewn with a straight stitch, which does not protrude through the fold of the collar. Printed on the tag, “HIGHEST QUALITY, A.G. SPALDING & BROS., MADE IN U.S.A. , TRADE MARK SPALDING, REG. U.S. PAT. OFF.” (Circular baseball logo design) The tag is all original with no signs of tampering. The collar seams are original and thus lead us to believe the player identifier was not added at a later date. This style of tag was found on the 1936 Yankees jerseys MEARS had previously examined, the 1936 Sundra Home and Red Ruffing road. Comparing all 3 jerseys and determing matching tagging establish consistency of manufacturer.

This is the earliest known Joe DiMaggio playing career jersey found in the MEARS database. Other period jerseys include:

1935 Yankees Spalding Road Ruth
1936 Yankees Spalding Road Ruffing
1936 Yankees Spalding Home Sundra
1936 Yankees Spalding Home #15
1936 Yankees Spalding Road #15
1937 Yankees Spalding Home Fletcher
1937 Yankees Spalding Road Hadley
1938 Yankees Spalding Road Gomez

The jersey is similar in consistency of materials to other examples of major league jerseys we have examined. These examples are consistent as examples both before and after this shirt, permitting some sort of trend analysis and verification of Spalding as a known Yankee’s supplier during the 1936 season. Home examples were most helpful.

Other period Joe DiMaggio jerseys in the MEARS database are:

1939 Yankees Spalding Road DiMaggio
1941 Yankees Wilson Road DiMaggio
1946 Yankees Wilson Road DiMaggio
1947 Yankees Wilson Road DiMaggio
1948 Yankees Spalding Home DiMaggio
1948 Yankees Wilson Road DiMaggio
1951 Yankees Spalding Road DiMaggio

Data shows this is the earliest known Joe DiMaggio Yankees home jersey. Only one other home, the 1948 Yankees jersey was found in the MEARS database. Also, it is established that Spalding is a known manufacturer of the home jerseys for Joe DiMaggio while he played for the Yankees.

Regarding the size of the jersey, no size tag is present. Size tags were not standard on jerseys from this period so the lack of one is not an issue. The measurement across the chest is 24” which would be an acceptable size for someone of Joe DiMaggio’s size and weight from that stage of his career. (Height=6’2”, weight 193 pounds, courtesy of www.baseballreference.com)

One of the key identifiers to this jersey is the player name found in the collar. The name Joe Di Maggio 9 appears in faded red thread sewn directly into the collar to the right of the Spalding manufacturers tag. The script of the Joe Di Maggio 9 measures 3 ½” in length and ½” in height. The 1936 Home Sundra and 1936 Red Ruffing could again be used for comparison. Both exhibited the chainstitching found to the right of the Spalding tag. Both had first initial before last name, followed by the players’ uniform number. The DiMaggio jersey had his full name included as opposed to first initial only. Upon review of Spalding Yankees jerseys from the early to mid 1930’s, only one other example exists for the player’s first name being added to equipment. On Babe Ruth’s 1932 road Spalding pants, they were labeled as “Babe” Ruth. Joe DiMaggio is the only other player besides the Bambino to have his first name used to identify a part of his uniform.

The process of its application is free hand machine embroidery appliqué. The application of the thread forming the Joe Di Maggio 9 is applied to the first fold of the collar only and does not penetrate the reverse of the collar. This is proper and to be expected on the player identifiers found in the neck of Yankees jerseys from 1936 and again were supported by the 2 other Yankees jerseys we examined. With this player identifier being all original and untampered with, attribution to Joe DiMaggio is made.

Rear outer right tail finds a 1 ¼” x 2” red faded chained stitched year identifier, 36. This refers to the year of issuance, 1936. The year identifier is very similar in color, texture, and style to the Joe Di Maggio 9 player identifier. With the consistency of application and being all original, the year of this jersey can be positively attributed to issuance during 1936.

Style & Pinstriping

Starting in 1936, the Yankees changed the style of their jerseys with the addition of the interlocking NY to the front of their uniforms. This can be verified via the “Dressed to the Nines, a History of the Baseball Uniform” found on the Baseball Hall of Fame website. This style remained and in 1938 the Yankees added a sleeve patch. Therefore, the style of this jersey has been verified as the style that would have been worn by the Yankees during the 1936 season.

Although not present on this examined jersey (cert #301439), the outline of the interlocking NY can be seen when examined on the light table. The outline of the NY measured 3 ½” wide X 4” height. The outline was produced from the removal of the threads used to anchor the NY. The removal created stress on the fabric’s fibers that retained the shape of the NY. The sewing examination of the interlocking “NY” logo shows a pull through method was employed to anchor the team logo. The outline of the NY was important to the authentication of this jersey as it substantiated the style that was used during the 1936 season.

The removal of the “NY” is typically associated with the jersey being sent down to the minor leagues to be recycled which was a known practice of the New York Yankees.

Examination of the pinstriping found it to be factory dyed in one-inch widths. Again, the pinstipes matched width, color, and consistency with the 1936 Sundra Home Yankee jersey examined.

9

The second key identifier attributing this jersey to being worn by Joe DiMaggio during his rookie season of 1936 is the number 9 found on the reverse of this jersey. The Yankees have been wearing uniform numbers on the reverse of their jersey since 1929. Although Joe was famous for wearing uniform #5, it was 9 that was issued to him when he started his career with the New York Yankees. This can be verified by “Image 4 gettyimage Joe DiMaggio batting reverse #9” which we used for support of our examination along with the Joe DiMaggio Albums. Also 9 was chained stitched to the right of his name in the collar which was used to designate the player uniform number.

The reverse 9 is made of heavy navy wool blend and measures 4”x6”. The 9 is attached via a straight professional stitch pattern. The nine is all original an anchored with a professional straight stitched sewing pattern. The nine appears to be the original number as applied during the 1936 season and an irregularity of the fabric under the 9 was visible. Upon inspection of the 9, evaluation team member Dan Knoll noted the following:

…we have examined the back of the shirt with extreme scrutiny, assisted by a high intensity light table, and found irregularities that were detected in the weave of the pinstriped flannel in the general area upon which the number “9” is anchored. Such scrutiny is standard protocol in our examination of vintage baseball uniforms. It is our belief that such weaving inconsistencies can be attributed to simple irregularities not uncommon to wool and cotton flannel fabrics used in 20th century baseball uniforms. Such fabric traits are also a product of typical player wear. It is important to note that Joe DiMaggio possessed an axial skeletal abnormality (vertebral column and ribs), which was manifested by a protrusional rounding of his back along the area, were upon his number resided. Such an abnormality would contribute to an irregular concentration of contact between the numbered area of the jersey and the dugout bench or wall. Both the jersey and the number “9” on back display consistent wear throughout, leading us to firmly believe that this number is the same number which was anchored to the shirt when given to Joe DiMaggio at the start of the 1936 season.

Further examination found that no patches or outlines of patches were found on the sleeves or other areas. This was checked via an inspection of both the inside and outside of the jersey. If a patch had been applied, the outline from the removal of the stitching would be present. No patches were issued for Yankees jerseys from this era, so patches nor outlines should not be found on a jersey worn by Joe DiMaggio or any Yankee for wear during the 1936 season.

Additional Features

The jersey also exhibits a under arm gusset air vent system designed to cool the players during games played during the heat of summer. Each underarm is factory designed with a 6 hole reinforced stitched ventilation system. The holes are manufactured into a diamond shaped swatch of material, which connects the underarm sleeves to the body of the jersey.

Another feature of this jersey is the convex tail opening, which joins the side seam gusset and is attached with a reinforced triangular patch of flannel material. Also the bottom tail is hemmed with a reinforced seam. This structural feature is found on other period Yankees jerseys MEARS has examined.

Imagery Analysis

Imagery analysis was utilized to support the following:

1. To support point 1, we first examined the outline of the NY by exposing it to a light table. The outline of the NY became clearly visible with the introduction of the light source. The light source highlighted the outline of the interlocking “NY” in comparison to its placement between the pinstripes. The outline of the NY when exposed to the light table was examined and matched to the pinstripes to determine that this was the exact jersey worn by Joe DiMaggio during his 1936 rookie season.

– The photo showed that the first pinstripe started slightly to the left of the edge of the NY.
– The second pinstripe passed through the top of the left portion of the Y.
– The third pinstripe passed exactly between the opening of the Y.
– The fourth pinstripe passed through the right edge of the Y.
– The fifth and final pinstripe bordered on the right edge of the logo.

18 different points of the NY logo were matched to the pinstripes and all were deemed to perfectly match jersey to photo. Additionally, by establishing and verifying that the pinstripes were factory dyed in one-inch intervals, this could be used to establish the match between the size of the NY in the photo to the actual measurement produced from the outline made visible under the light table. When examining the photo, it could be seen that the width of the NY of the Yankee crest on the examined 1936 DiMaggio photos spanned the width of 4 pinstripes. It was determined that the pinstripes were issued in one-inch intervals, and the light table measurement of the NY outline established the width of the NY to be 4” across. Therefore the visual inspection of the NY covering the width of 4 one-inch pinstripes supported the actual measurement taken from the 4” image created from the outline of the NY when viewed on the light table. This established the fact that the NY was the proper width as issued by the New York Yankees for Joe DiMaggio to wear on his 1936 home jersey and verified by the matching referenced photographs.

Reference materials included:
Image 1 gettyimage NY8155
Image 2 corbis Lou Gehrig with Joe DiMaggio
Image 3 gettyimage Joe DiMaggio sitting
Image 4 gettyimage Joe DiMaggio batting reverse #9
Sporting News 1936 rookie year home jersey image

2. Known dated photos from 1936 were compared to the examined jersey (cert #303004). Focus was on the pinstripes and their alignment in conjunction with buttons, outline of the NY, and other pinstripes with special focus on the collar/yoke section. Analysis proved the pinstripes were identically placed when compared with the 1936 rookie photo, therefore, proving this jersey was the exact as in the photo.

3. All references below are in regards to the supplied photos. Left relates to the left side of the photo which would be the right portion of the actual jersey.

– First Stripe on the front button flap passed cleanly to the left of all front button.
– Second pinstripe passed cleanly to the right of the front button flap and runs upward to the collar line
– Third pinstripe in the collar line was contained only to the collar line area.
– Fourth pinstripe in the collar line was longer than the third and contained only in the collar line area.
– Fifth pinstripe in the collar line was longer than the fourth and split the middle on the third and fourth pinstripes on the jersey front.
– The four pinstripes in the left collar line were all consistent with the provided 1936 photo.
– The four pinstripes in the left collar line perfectly matched the underlying pinstripes found on the left front chest of the jersey.
– The striping on the photo of the left shoulder aligns perfectly with the left front chest pinstriping.

4. 9 was worn by Joe DiMaggio during his 1936 season. Photo Image 4 the sporting news, 1936, Joe DiMaggio batting reverse #9 and the Joe DiMaggio Albums. G.P. Putman Publishers, 1989 supported this.

5. When comparing the jersey (cert #303004) to the provided photos, the photos all show a full length sleeve appearing on the jersey. The examined jersey has shorted sleeves. The edges appear to be rough-cut and not factory sewn.

In summary of the process of photo analysis, MEARS determined that the examined jersey, certification number 303004 (jersey), was an exact photo match to the photo provided and referenced.

Wear and condition

The jersey (cert #303004) was also examined for condition and wear. The jersey exhibits signs of significant wear. The amount of wear would be consistent with use from the majority of a season. Although issued to a minor league player, the jersey does not exhibit the excessive wear commonly associated with jerseys that were worn for seasons of minor league play. Most importantly, the jersey remains free from the addition of a minor league affiliates logo or team name. The jersey remains in remarkable original condition. Wear is manifested by even toning of the fabric. Wear is found in the collar area and the fabric shows more toning and fraying and compacting of the fabric in that area, but again, this is associated with legitimate game wear.

The shoulders do not show excessive wear. This area was examined, as this is an area that shows the most wear when a jersey was re-issued to be worn for more than one season. Small pinholes were found on the right side of the jersey.

The jersey displays overall age toning, which is caused from the interaction of sweat and game use caused by playing games under the hot sun. While the first night game was played at Crosely Field in Cincinnati on May 24th, 1935, the Yankees did not begin playing night baseball at Yankee Stadium until May 28th, 1946.

Other condition factors have been noticed with this jersey. None take away from the aesthetics or historical importance of this jersey and are only mentioned for the purpose of a complete evaluation.

Pants

Included is a pair of rookie Joe DiMaggio pants. Spalding manufactures the pants. Joe Di Maggio 9 appears in the waistband in the same red thread as the shirt. The same period 1936 Spalding tag appears to the right of the chainstitching. The pants were manufactured with belt loops and two back pockets. The pants are all original and exhibit wear consistent with the jersey. These pants were the very ones issued with the jersey during 1936 to complete the Yankees standard issue home uniform.

Conclusion

Based on the total evaluation of the uniform presented, 303004 (jersey) & 303005 (pants), MEARS is confident to emphatically state this is an all original Joe DiMaggio uniform consisting of jersey and pants. The jersey has its original shell, proper tagging, was originally issued with an authentic and properly sized NY logo, and numbered with an original 9. The uniform matches the photos of him wearing this exact jersey and style of pants during his rookie season of 1936. Someone other than Joe DiMaggio shortened the sleeves at a later time. All of the 1936 Yankees home photos of Joe DiMaggio support this as being his rookie jersey.

With only 7 known Joe DiMaggio jerseys examined to date and only one other home (1948), this is the earliest known home Joe DiMaggio jersey ever offered. We have graded this jersey an A6.5 due to the removal of the NY and cut sleeves. The clearly visible outline of the NY and its placement in conjunction with the vertical pinstriping was instrumental in the verifying of authenticity and the attribution of this jersey to Joe DiMaggio for use during his 1936 rookie season.

It should also be noted that the removal of the NY serves as a very important fact as to the jerseys survival of the last 69 years. After being worn by Joe DiMaggio during his rookie year of 1936, the jersey was sent to the minor leagues where it was issued to Charles “Smoke” Mason. At some point shortly thereafter, the new owner put the jersey away for safe keeping. The minor leaguer with an appreciation for the great Joe DiMaggio saved a uniform that would soon become a very historical item. The removal of the NY was a very common practice on period Yankees jerseys and all original examples are few and far between as the Yankees sent the majority of their jerseys into their minor league system. The historical importance of this jersey with the supporting photographic documentation easily overcomes the absence of the NY and cut sleeves. At the time of examination, a more historical Joe DiMaggio jersey does not exist.

Sincerely,

Troy R. Kinunen
MEARS