This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/31/2021
This lot features a RARE Harold Baines 1979 Chicago White Sox game used spring training jersey. This jersey was worn by Baines during spring training of 1979 before eventually made the big league squad and began his rookie season in 1980 with the White Sox. It is likely the earliest known Baines jersey and the 1st jersey he ever wore with the Sox and is accompanied by an SGC Authenticity "Book" grading the jersey "Superior" which is the highest grade given. This White Sox "collar style" jersey is extremely popular and coveted by jersey collectors due to their scarcity. The jersey was made by Rawlings and has the Rawlings size 42 tag and "1976" year tag sewn into the collar. "CHICAGO" is sewn on the front and "BAINES 53" is sewn on the back in white tackle twill. The jersey has been signed on the back on both numbers by Baines.
Stunning Baines jersey from his rookie season. The only thing more impressive than this jersey is the literal "Book" of authenticity that goes along with it. Leading vintage baseball uniform authority Dave Grob has performed an extensive examination of this fine jersey and his "Authentication" is provided in the form of a hard cover book.
Dave Grob's examination opinion: "In my opinion, this jersey possesses all of the characteristics you would expect to see in a jersey manufactured in 1976 by Rawlings for road use and wear by a player within their organization. The jersey was later numbered by the Chicago White Sox for use and wear by Harold Baines in spring training of 1979. It is assessed s being all original and compares favorably with period images and period on-hand Rawlings exemplars and fabrics. It is assessed as being free of any alterations or indicators of contrived use or wear." Grob uses 6 categories to grade jerseys and this one grades at the higher end of that spectrum. He grades this jersey as "Superior" which is the highest achievable grade. His notes regarding overall grade of "Superior": "no apparent indications or trace evidence to suggest that another name or number was ever applied to the jersey. As such, it is designated as a SUPERIOR (S) example. This jersey is significant in that it is a pre-rookie jersey of a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Class of 2020."
(SGC)