After a career chock-full of momentous milestones – first and only player in history to win the MVP Award in both leagues, World Series MVP, winner of the coveted Triple Crown, Rookie of the Year – Frank Robinson had one more goal: to become the first African American manager in the majors. His first season at the helm was 1975, and Robinson led the Tribe to a 79-80 record. The next season he did better, leading them past the .500 mark with 81-78. Frank’s groundbreaking seasons in Cleveland as the first African American manager coincided with some of the most memorable uniform ever worn on a baseball diamond – the red road outfits.

During Robinson’s tenure in Cleveland, the Indians had a mix and match selection of jerseys and pants, the most memorable being the full red road ensemble. This is one of the rare sets, and not only is it complete but it was the one worn by Frank Robinson himself. The super-seventies style red road jersey has “INDIANS” across the chest in navy and white tackle twill. Navy and white ribbing edge the collar and arm openings. A white year strip tag with “76” is sewn in the lower left tail and a size 42 Wilson label is located inside the collar. A “Chief Wahoo” patch is sewn to the left sleeve and a Cleveland “Spirit of ‘76” patch is on the right. The back of the jersey has “ROBINSON” in white tackle twill letters above his number “20” in navy and white tackle twill.

The matching red sansabelt pants have navy and white ribbing running down each leg and on the elastic waist band. A Wilson label is located inside the waistband on which is the size “35” handwritten along with a white strip tag chain stitched with “20 35 26 76.” The jersey and pants show good game use with some light toning and wear from laundering. There are some loose threads visible on the graphics but no tears or major pulls in the fabric. Despite its age the colors are bold and bright, making this one of the most visually appealing of all the color-crazed 1970s uniform styles, and its use by the great Frank Robinson at the time he was breaking down another racial barrier in our National Pastime sets this set apart. This uniform set comes with a LOA from Sports Investors Authentication (190924C4) for the use.

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