April 5th Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/6/2013
If you were looking for one artifact that exemplifies the colorful, sideburns-wearing, 3-color ball, sex and drugs attitude of the 1970’s ABA, this Spirits of St. Louis jersey would top the list. Absolutely striking jersey dates from the glory years of the renegade league. The Spirits existed in the last two seasons of the ABA and didn’t make the cut when the league merged with the more mainstream (and bland) NBA. Basketball Hall of Famer Moses Malone got his start with the Spirits and convicted bank robber Marvin “Bad News” Barnes was the teams center and 1974-75 ABA Rookie of the Year. Bob Costas was behind the mic broadcasting the Spirits’ games from the old St. Louis Arena. ABA jerseys from the short-lived but fondly remembered league are rare to say the least and this one is a stunning example of the playfulness of the era. The front of this Rawlings jersey displays the awesome 1970’s team graphics in orange and black, complete with Lindbergh’s airplane after which the team was named, zooming in under the name. Front and back has number 10 in orange and black tackle twill and the name “BYERS” arches over the number on the back. A look at the roster shows no “Byers” and it is speculated this jersey may have been used in pre-season. MEARS has noted when examining the jersey that though the jersey and team graphics match what the team issued, the color scheme on the numbers is the reverse of what is found on existing jerseys from the era. The jersey shows light wear and slight staining near the area of the numbers on the front. Size 38 Rawlings tagging is stitched on the lower left front. Graded Authentic and includes a letter of authenticity from MEARS. Multiple images and LOAs available at goldinauctions.com.
This lot has a Reserve Price that has not been met.