1971 Mike Cuellar Baltimore Orioles Game-Used Home Jersey

Sold For:

$810

Year:

1971

Auction:

2020 Summer

Lot #:

1988

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

Baltimore Orioles home jersey worn by ace pitcher Mike Cuellar during the club's 1971 pennant-winning season. The white flannel jersey is lettered "Orioles" across the front and features the number "35" on both the left breast and reverse. All numerals are appliquéd in orange tackle twill on black felt. A "Wilson 42" label is situated on the left front tail. Both the year and set number ("1971 Set 2") are chain-stitched in black upon a white strip tag located directly below the manufacturer's label. Cuellar's name has been removed from the reverse. otherwise the jersey appears to be all original with no other alterations. (Cuellar was the only player to wear number 35 with the Orioles in 1971.) Moderate wear is displayed throughout, including light soiling and a number of team repairs on the reverse. Mike Cuellar was the the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner entering the 1971 season and one of four Orioles pitchers to win 20 games that season. Cuellar posted a record of 20-9 with a 3.08 in 1971, which helped lead the Orioles to their third consecutive pennant. One of the top left-handed pitchers of his era, Cuellar won 20 or more games four times in his career and retired in 1977 with 185 wins and a 3.14 lifetime ERA. Flannel jerseys from the Orioles' 1969 to 1971 pennant-winning dynasty have always been highly prized by collectors, especially those worn by significant players such as Cuellar. This jersey also marks the final season in which the Orioles wore flannels. Reserve $200. Estimate (open).