1969 John Kennedy Seattle Pilots Game-Used Road Jersey MEARS A5

Sold For:

$7,800

Year:

1969

Auction:

2022 Spring

Lot #:

2634

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

Addendum: Please note the 100th Anniversary patch on the left sleeve is not period from 1969 but rather a later reproduction. Rare 1969 Seattle Pilots road jersey worn by infielder John Kennedy during the club's only season. The blue flannel jersey is lettered "Seattle" across the front and features the club’s embroidered logo patch on the right breast. The number "11" appears on the reverse. All letters and numerals are appliquéd in gold on blue tackle twill. A Major League Baseball "100th Anniversary" patch adorns the left sleeve. The player's name and jersey size ("Kennedy 42") are chain-stitched in blue upon a blue strip tag in the collar. Located on the left front tail are a "Spalding" label, an adjacent "42" size tag, a laundry tag, and a flag tag reading "Set 1 1969." All of the letters and numerals on the front and back, including the front logo patch, as well as the 100th Anniversary patch on the left sleeve have been restored. The name tag in the collar and the tagging/labels on the left front tail are all original. Moderate wear is displayed throughout. The history of the Seattle Pilots is quite brief. Joining the American League as an expansion club in 1969, the franchise, due to financial considerations, was quickly sold and relocated to Milwaukee the following spring. Although the team hardly distinguished itself on the field, finishing in last place with a 64-98 record, the club was later immortalized in Jim Bouton's groundbreaking "tell all" book, Ball Four. Because the Pilots played only one year in Seattle, game-used items, especially jerseys, are exceedingly rare. Graded A5 by MEARS (base grade of 10, with 5 points deducted for the replaced numbers, letters, and sleeve patch). Full LOA from MEARS. Reserve $500.