August 2016

Lot #4:

Outstanding 1979-80 Larry Bird Boston Celtics Game Worn Rookie Uniform MEARS A10 - The Only Known Example

While he'll always be remembered for the rivalry with fellow basketball icon Magic Johnson that dates back to their college days, Larry Bird entered the Basketball Hall of Fame as arguably the greatest small forward in NBA history. Never really much to look at, Bird wasn't particularly athletic and didn't run or jump with any extraordinary skill. All he did was fight until he won. Though averaging over 30 points and 13 rebounds per game over a three-year span at Indiana State, not everyone was convinced that his 6'9" frame could make him as dominant at the professional level. But as history would prove, as the #6 pick of the 1978 NBA Draft, "The Hick from French Lick" led the Celtics to championships in 1981, 1984 and 1986. A perennial all-star, the always fiery forward was known for outworking his opponent while possessing shooting, rebounding and passing abilities that were unprecedented for his size. Flabbergasted by Bird's dominance during a game, Cleveland Cavaliers public address announcer Howie Chizek said, “Larry Bird just throws the ball in the air and God moves the basket underneath it.” Paired with center Robert Parish and forward Kevin McHale to form one of the NBA's all-time greatest front courts, the Boston Celtics won five Conference titles, with Bird appearing in 12 all-star games and earning three NBA MVP awards. Bird also earned Rookie of the Year honors for the 1979-80 season with a 21.3 scoring average and over 10 rebounds per game, and he wore this uniform during his run to the top of the rookie class, graded a perfect A10 by MEARS and the only known uniform to exist. The classic white knit uniform with green trim and identifiers exhibits moderate and consistent use, with the left front tail displaying dual "Medalist Sand-Knit" and size "42" exclusivity labels. The sizing of the jersey is critical to confirming the year, as Bird only wore size 42 as a professional during his rookie season, switching to size 44 the following year. The matching shorts also have "Medalist Sand-Knit" label on the inside of the waistband with team player and year swatches reading "33" and "79." Perhaps the most significant game-used basketball uniform of the past 40 years and certainly among the finest in all of basketball history, completely original and unaltered! Full LOA from Troy Kinunen - MEARS with a grade of A10.