2006 Albert Pujols Dominicana Home Jersey (World Cup Classic)

Sold For:

$1,058

Year:

2006

Auction:

2008 Spring

Lot #:

1426

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

"Dominicana" home jersey issued to Albert Pujols for use in the inaugural 2006 World Baseball Classic. The white knit jersey is lettered "Dominicana" on the front and features the number "5" on the left breast and reverse. "Pujols" is lettered on the reverse above the number. All letters and numbers are appliquéd in blue on red tackle twill, with the exception of the front number, which is appliquéd in red on blue tackle twill. A patch displaying the Dominican Republic national flag appears on the right sleeve, while the World Baseball Classic patch appears on the back of the collar. A "Majestic Label" (lettered ""™06 World Baseball Classic") is located on the left front tail, as is an adjacent "50" size tag. The garment displays a custom-hemmed straight tail, which is consistent with other known Albert Pujols jerseys. Aside from that custom hem, the jersey is otherwise completely original and displays minimal use. Pujols was one of a large number of Major League stars to participate in the 2006 World Baseball Classic. Joining Pujols on the Dominican Republic team were Bartolo Colon, Miguel Batista, David Ortiz, Jose Reyes, Vladimir Guerrero, Miguel Tejada, and Alfonso Soriano. Despite the talented lineup, La Republica Dominicana was defeated in the semifinals of the tournament by Cuba. Like the Olympics, the World Baseball Classic is held every four years, with the next tournament scheduled for 2009. This is a rare team jersey, issued to one of the most prominent participants, from the inaugural World Baseball Classic. Graded A5 by MEARS (no post-1987 jersey can achieve a higher grade than A5 without additional provenance). This is the only Albert Pujols Dominicana jersey and one of two World Baseball Classic jerseys (the other was issued to Vinnie Castillo of Mexico) listed in the MEARS census. LOA from Dave Bushing & Troy Kinunen/MEARS. Reserve $300. Estimate $500/$1,000. SOLD FOR $1,057.50