From 1966 through 1972, Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins rattled off 20 win seasons for the Northside faithful at Wrigley Field. When his career ended, one that spanned three decades and four teams, he went into the Hall of Fame as a Chicago Cub. His durability is typified in this garment and the high grade of A9 is as well deserved as his Cooperstown enshrinement in 1991.
Subject: 1971 Ferguson Jenkins Chicago Cubs Road Jersey
Size: The jersey is tagged as a size 44 and this is the true size of the jersey. This was confirmed by measuring the chest as well as comparing the jersey to on hand period Wilson jerseys in sizes of 42, 44, and 46. Period sizing data on Ferguson Jenkins from the 1971 Street and Smith Yearbook shows him listed at 6’, 5”; 205lbs. This jersey as function of size is also consistent with other period Jenkins flannel uniforms in the MEARS data base:
-1966, Phillies, Home, Wilson, Size 44
-1970, Cubs, Road, Wilson, Size 44
As such, I would consider it to be an appropriate sized jersey for Jenkins at this point in his career. (PLATE I)
Manufacturer: The jersey is identified as a Wilson product by the manufacturer's label (c 1967-1973) in the lower left outside front tail. Wilson is known and confirmed supplier of uniforms to the Cubs and that association can be traced almost exclusively from this time back to the early 1950s.
Construction: The jersey is constructed of professional grade flannel fabric as assessed by the weave and fabric quality as seen under a digital microscope. The set-in sleeves, button down front, and no name on the back are all team/year appropriate. The sleeves are also a bit shorter at 3” than typically found on Wilson jerseys from this period. This mid to above bicep cut appears consistent with what period images indicate for Jenkins. This is a three year style (1969-1971) and the last year that flannel uniforms were worn by the Chicago Cubs. In addition, the jersey features an eight (8) button front. This too is consistent as a team/manufacturer characteristic for the period. All alpha-numeric fonts are appropriate by style and location as confirmed by period images as well. (PLATES II and III)
Use/Wear/Condition: The uniform is in original unaltered condition and shows signs of medium to heavy use in for form of wash wear and fabric gathering. The anchor stitching of the body of the jersey to the front placket shows slight signs of stress as it has begun to pull through the fabric of the body of the jersey, but it remains intact. This can also be seen on the inside portion of the right sleeve. The joining stitching of the front and back panels of fabric that meet in the rear collar has become separated in two places (each just over an inch in length). This same area of the rear collar area is lightly, but uniformly soiled. The soiling is better seen under UV lighting. None of this affects the structural integrity of the garment in this area in any appreciable manner. At the time of my evaluation, this jersey was free of any writing.
Opinion: In my opinion this jersey possesses all the characteristics you would expect to see in jersey manufactured in 1971 by Wilson for use and wear by Ferguson Jenkins and that it is all original and free of any alterations or evidence of contrived use or wear.
The MEARS worksheet and grading criteria provides for 5 categories for which points may deducted. I found these reason to deduct points:
Category 5: Broken anchor/joining stitching in the collar. -.5 cumulative based on the location and the negligible impact it has on the structural integrity of the jersey as well as display appeal
Category 5: Small hole. -.5 (less than 1/4” on reverse just to the left of the upper portion of the numeral “1”.
Final Grade for jersey bearing hologram #311752 is A9
Dave Grob
MEARS
Enclosures: PLATES I-III
(MEARS LOA)