1971 Bill Hands Chicago Cubs Game-Used Road Jersey MEARS A10 - Last Cubs Flannel

Sold For:

$2,340

Year:

1971

Auction:

2019 Fall

Lot #:

2205

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

Chicago Cubs road jersey worn by pitcher Bill Hands during the 1971 season. Graded A10 by MEARS. The gray flannel jersey is lettered "Chicago" across the front and features the number "49" on the left breast and reverse. All letters and numerals are appliquéd in blue tackle twill. The uniform number, year, set number and size ("49-1971-Set 2-44") are chain-stitched in blue upon a gray strip tag in the collar. The year, "1971," is also chain-stitched in blue on the left front tail, directly above which is a "Wilson 44" label. A Cubs team patch adorns the left sleeve. 1971 was the final season in which the Cubs wore flannel jerseys as they, like most teams, switched to knits in 1972. The jersey is original as issued, with no alterations, and displays heavy wear. Hands, who won 20 games for the Cubs in 1969, finished the 1971 season with a record of 12-18 and a 3.42 ERA. He retired in 1975 with a lifetime record of 111-110 and a 3.35 ERA. Cubs flannel jerseys have always been highly prized by collectors and this example, representing the last year in which the club utilized flannels, is especially significant. Graded A10 by MEARS (base grade of 10, with no deductions). LOA from Troy Kinunen/MEARS. Reserve $500. Estimate (open).