Fernández was the first African American to play in a game for the Phillies, appearing for Philadelphia on April 16, 1957. Fernández was the Phillies' regular shortstop for two seasons. He came up with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1956 but could not replace Hall of Fame short stop Pee Wee Reese. He was traded to the Phillies in 1957 where he remained until 1959.
Year: 1959
Style: Road
Manufacture: Wilson Sporting Goods. Verified by Richie Ashburn, 1959 Phillies Road, MEARS databse.
With the exception of the Ashburn that sold via public auction, this is the first 1959 Phillies road that has been examined by MEARS. MEARS data base shows that Wilson made Phillies jerseys exclusively from 1948-1979.
Size: 40
Uniform Number: 17, correct for 1959. Number on back only.
Wear: There is some wear to the name in collar (on strip tag) in which it is ripped and worn but readable. The remainder of the shirt shows wear and laundering but there are no other flaws to this shirt. (no holes, tears, stains or repairs)This jersey is all original with no alterations of any kind.
Grade: We have deducted one full point for the frayed/worn NIC and there are no other deductions. Shirt grades a MEARS A9
These early Phillies flannels with the Maroon embroidered Phillies script front and number are considered, by many, to be some of the most handsome jerseys ever made during the post war era. This exceptional shirt certainly falls into that category. His place in Phillies history as the first African American to play on that team, to break the color barrier in Philadelphia 10 years to the season that Jackie broke into the majors with Brooklyn, making them one of the last teams to finally give in to the talent that so many other teams had long since taken advantage of. Collection of MEARS staff. MEARS LOA. 00156 (The enclosed picture of Chico wearing his Phillies home is not included for any photo matching, simply a shot of him with the Phillies.)