1980 Phil Niekro Atlanta Braves Game-Used Road Jersey

Sold For:

$2,232

Year:

1980

Auction:

2008 Spring

Lot #:

1399

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

Exceptional Atlanta Braves road jersey worn in 1980 by Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro. Graded a perfect A10 by MEARS. The blue knit jersey is lettered "Atlanta" across the front and features the number "35" on the left breast and reverse. "Niekro" is lettered on the reverse above the number. All front letters and numerals are appliquéd in blue on white tackle twill. All reverse letters are appliquéd in solid blue tackle twill. A "Wilson 44" label appears in the collar and the year ("80") is chain-stitched in blue upon a blue strip tag located on the left front tail. Completely original and unaltered, the jersey displays moderate wear throughout. Phil Niekro is one of only twenty-three pitchers in history to win 300 or more games and his 5,404 innings pitched ranks fourth on the all-time list. Because his signature pitch, the knuckleball, allowed him to pitch more often and longer than most of his contemporaries, Niekro holds a number of Major League pitching records. He also holds the dubious honor of having led the National League in both wins and losses in the same season (21 and 20, respectively, in 1979). Niekro was 15-18 with a 3.63 ERA in 1980. He retired after the 1987 season with 318 wins and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1997. Graded A10 by MEARS. This is one of four Phil Niekro jerseys listed in the MEARS population report, and one of three graded at this level. This jersey has been consigned to this auction directly from the personal collection/inventory of world-renowned bat and jersey authenticators David Bushing and/or Troy Kinunen. LOAs from Dave Bushing & Troy Kinunen/MEARS. Reserve $500. Estimate $1,000/$1,500. SOLD FOR $2,232.50