1952 Early Wynn Cleveland Indians Game-Used Home Uniform MEARS A8 and SGC Excellent/Superior

Sold For:

$8,400

Year:

1952

Auction:

2019 Fall

Lot #:

2162

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

Cleveland Indians home uniform (jersey and pants) worn by Hall of Fame pitcher Early Wynn in 1952. Wynn jerseys, let alone full uniforms, dating from his tenure with the Cleveland Indians (1949-1957) are scarce. This is the first example we have ever offered, and we cannot recall having seen more than three others at auction in the past 15 years. The white flannel jersey is lettered "Indians" across the front and features the number "24" on the reverse. All letters and numerals are appliquéd in red on navy felt. "E.Wynn" is chain-stitched in black upon a white strip tag in the collar. Located on the left front tail are a “Wilson” label, a “46” size tag, and a laundry tag. The year, “1952,” is chain-stitched in black directly below the Wilson label. A "Smiling Indian" patch adorns the left sleeve. The matching white flannel pants feature the year, “1952,” chain-stitched in black on the interior fly panel. Located in the waistband are a “Wilson” label, a “38” size tag, and a laundry tag. The name “E. Wynn” is chain-stitched in black upon a white strip tag located directly to the left of the Wilson label. Both the jersey and pants are original as issued, with no alterations. Each garment displays light-to-moderate wear, including a few small, light areas of soiling. In addition, the jersey displays a moderate tear/hole on the left front and an additional tear/hole on the underside of the left sleeve. The jersey is graded A8 by MEARS with two points deducted for the tears. Evaluated as Excellent/Superior by SGC/Dave Grob (jersey and pants). 1952 marked one of Wynn’s finest overall seasons, as he won a career-high 23 games and posted a 2.90 ERA. Wynn was one of the game’s top pitchers during the 1950s, winning a total of 188 games during the decade, including five seasons of 20 or more wins. Wynn finished his career with 300 wins, making him one of only 24 pitchers in history to accomplish that feat. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1972. Full LOA from Dave Grob/MEARS (for the jersey only). Full LOA from SGC/Dave Grob (for jersey and pants). Reserve $5,000. Estimate (open).