October Legends and Americana Ending November 14th
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2015
Davey Johnson has had so much success as a major league manager since he won the World Series with the Mets back in 1986 that it's easy to forget he was a four-time All-Star back in the day. Johnson held down second base for the great Baltimore Orioles teams that won four AL pennants and two World Championships. The year this jersey dates from, 1968, marked the first of four All-Star Game appearances for Johnson. Although the Birds didn't make it to the Series that year, they did the next two seasons, with Davey Johnson as a key contributor. Although this flannel is four decades old it is in remarkable condition. The front boasts "Baltimore" across the front in vivid orange and black felt script that just leaps off the grey road flannel. Johnson's number "15" sits just below in the same bright felt. Black piping runs around the collar and down the front placket. All the grey plastic buttons are present and secure. The left front tail has the Spalding label in vivid red, white and blue and a size "42" tag is sewn beside it. Below is the original cleaning instruction label and a "SET 1 1968" tag. The collar has a grey strip tag upon which "41 Set 2 68 15" is stitched. The sleeves have been shortened and hemmed as was the fashion of the day. The back has "D. JOHNSON" sewn across the shoulder in individual black and orange felt. His number "15" is just below in 6 1/2" orange and black felt numbers. As stated above, the condition of this piece is outstanding. The felt lettering while retaining their bright color has a few nips taken out of them, most noticeably on Johnson's name and numbers on the back. There are several stains from game use throughout, most noticeably on the left side, lower back tail and neck opening. To top off an already outstanding piece, Davey Johnson has signed the front just below his number in bold black Sharpie adding "Game Used 1968". Orioles road flannels from the 1960's don't get much better than this. The uniform experts at MEARS agree, grading this beauty A9.5. Johnson's signature comes with a full LOA from PSA/DNA.