1968 Don McMahon Detroit Tigers Game-Used Road Jersey - Championship Season - MEARS A10

Sold For:

$2,220

Year:

1968

Auction:

2019 Summer

Lot #:

2106

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

Detroit Tigers road jersey worn by journeyman pitcher Don McMahon during the club's 1968 World Championship season. Graded A10 by MEARS. The gray flannel jersey is lettered "Detroit" across the front and features the number "47" on the reverse and right sleeve. All letters and numerals are appliquéd in navy tackle twill. A "Rawlings 44" label appears in the the collar. A laundry tag and adjacent flag tag, reading "Set 1 1968" are located on the exterior left front tail. The jersey is original as issued, with no alterations, and displays moderate wear. Although there is no name stitched in the jersey (normal for the Tigers in 1968), it can be conclusively attributed to McMahon because he was the only player to wear number 47 for the club in 1968. Even more important, the jersey originates directly from McMahon's son, who has provided an accompanying letter of provenance. McMahon, who was an 11-year veteran reliever at the time, began the 1968 season with the Chicago White before being acquired by the Tigers in a trade for Dennis Ribant on July 26th. McMahon was an asset for the Tigers down the stretch, as he appeared in 20 games, all in relief, winning three games and saving one. In 35.2 innings, McMahon allowed just 22 hits and struck out 33 batters while registering a 2.02 ERA. He also appeared in Games 1 and 3 of the World Series, pitching a total of two innings in relief. The Tigers defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games in the 1968 World Series, thereby earning the club its first World Championship in 23 years. McMahon retired after the 1974 season with a record of 90-68, 152 saves, and 2.96 ERA. This is an outstanding high-grade Detroit Tigers game-used jersey dating from one of the greatest seasons in Detroit Tigers franchise history. Graded A10 by MEARS (base grade of 10, with no deductions). LOA from Troy Kinunen/MEARS. Reserve $500. Estimate (open).