This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/10/2010
Baseball teams have made some dubious decisions when it comes to uniform design. The Chicago White Sox organization decided to dress their players in shorts during the 1976 season, making the team look like a convention of elementary school gym teachers. From 1975-1986, the Houston Astros wore their candy-corn inspired “rainbow” uniforms. And in 1944, the Brooklyn Dodgers launched a one year experiment by wearing satin. Designed exclusively for night games, a concept still in its early stages of development, it was believed that the reflective qualities of the satin fabric would be easier to see. Either they didn’t achieve the desired result, or the uniforms were unpopular with the players, or an embarrassing 63-91 season forced the uniforms into extinction out of superstition. Whatever the reason, the Dodgers discontinued the experiment at the end of the 1944 season, making the blue satin uniforms a “one-hit wonder”, with few examples surviving to this day. Offered is a one of those few survivors, worn by none other than Hall of Fame Manager Leo Durocher. The exquisite blue satin with white trim jersey is lettered "Brooklyn" across the front and features Durocher’s number "2" on the reverse, all stitched in white tackle twill. Inside the collar is the original "Wilson" label and a "42" size tag. The jersey is completely original and displays moderate wear throughout. The pants belonged at one time to shortstop Bobby Bragan, with Bragan’s name plate stitched in the waist band, along with Wilson size 38 tagging, and the original team belt is included. Pants and jerseys were often mixed and matched during this time period, which explains why Durocher's jersey could end up with Bragan's pants. Unfortunately, a collector, thinking the jersey also belonged to Bragan, had him sign it inside the collar. But the uniform was definitely game-used by Durocher, as he was the only player who wore number “2” while this style was used. Both pieces are in excellent condition. You have the amazing opportunity to acquire one of the rarest and most interesting gamers in baseball history, used for only one season, and worn by a Hall of Famer. Take advantage! LOA from Mile High Card Co.