Winter 2014 Auction Closing Feb 7
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/8/2014
Pittsburgh in 1986 was a city that had soured on their ball club. Fan interest and attendance had dipped to a dangerous low and the team was demoralized: then came an exciting new rookie named Barry Bonds. The 21 year-old phenom commenced to hitting 16 homers and swiping 36 bases, breathing new life into the Pirates and their fans. Almost single-handedly, Bonds increased attendance at Pirates games, culminating in 1987's opening day which smashed all previous club records. This classic Pittsburgh Pirates pillbox cap dates from Bonds' rookie year, the last season before the team retired this style of cap. The New Era Pro Model cap shows great game use with usual perspiration stains on the headband and underside of the bill. The gold pin striping has frayed slightly where the seams meet in the back of the crown. The New Era tagging is sewn in the cap band as well as the MLB label and size which have been worn away. The bill shows a slight crease but otherwise displays very well with the colors bright and clean. "BONDS" is hand written in black marker on the bill's underside. Topping off this beauty of a ball cap, Barry Bonds has signed the brim in contrasting silver marker. A very rare and desirable artifact from the rookie year of one of the game's biggest stars. Comes with an LOA from game used expert Dave Miedema.