Bert Blyleven began his career in Minnesota in 1970 as a 19-year-old pitcher, but if he came up today he wouldn’t have had nearly the same career. Why? Because from ages 20-25, Blyleven threw 278, 287, 325, 281, 276 and 298 innings, and AVERAGED 20 complete games a season. In today’s pitch-count, innings limit world today, managers would not allow a 22-year-old pitcher to throw 325 innings. Blyleven was the epitome of a workhorse and the Twins were the beneficiary of those innings pitched.

     In 1973, when Blyleven wore this jersey, he had his first career 20-win season and had an ERA of 2.52. He pitched a career-high 325 innings and made his first all-star appearance. This slightly faded powder blue road knit pullover jersey has “Twins” scripted across the chest with paraph and his number “28” below in red and navy tackle twill. The back of the jersey only has the number “28”, also in red and navy tackle twill as the Twins did not begin to put names on the backs until 1977. The sleeves have thick navy and red stripes with a thin centered white stripe to cap off the sleeves and the v-neck collar has a navy, white and red striping pattern in a ribbed material. The white strip tag with “73 Set 1” is located on the inside back collar along with the Wilson manufactures size 44 tag. The Twins logo patch is sewn on the left sleeve and is slightly faded. It is likely this jersey was used repeatedly by the Twins for their minor league teams, a common practice in the 1970s for almost all MLB organizations as the numbers display reinforce stitching. Still, this is a great game worn Hall of Famer jersey form the peak of his career when Blyleven was one of the best pitchers in baseball and this jersey displays moderate to heavy wear. This jersey comes with a LOA from noted game used jersey expert Dave Miedema.

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