This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/4/2015
Collectors, this is a rare opportunity to obtain a very desirable knit jersey that was only offered during the course of 4 seasons. The style epitomizes 1970s baseball. Per the MEARS Jersey Census, this is only the third Phil Niekro jersey examined by MEARS (others being 1980, 1985). This is also the earliest knit Niekro examined by MEARS.
During the 1977 season, Phil Niekro remained a work horse for the Atlanta Braves appearing in 36 games. The team finished 6th and the season was without much fanfare with the exception of team owner Ted Turner managing one game during the regular season.
Niekro won 16 games (#162-#178), adding to his future total of 318 career victories.
Style
Hall of Fame knits of famous styles are in high demand. During the 1976 season the Braves moved away from the blue field road jerseys and adopted this gray road uniform with blue and white trim with the feather on the left sleeve. “ATLANTA” appeared on the front in double tackle twill with red trim embroidering. The kept this style through the 1979 season.
Manufacturer
Wilson (1974-78 style tag, MEARS tagging database, Grob), was the correct supplier for Atlanta Braves uniforms for 1977 and verified by:
1977 Home (#13)
1977 Road (#35)
1977 Road (#5)
Size 44
The size 44 is correct for Niekro and was verified that the jersey is an actual size 44 body shell. (22” chest, 29” torso).
Game Wear: Jersey exhibits moderate wear in the form of wear to the fabric of the body shell, visible puckering of the anchor stitching on the numbering and lettering. The Wilson tag also shows wear to the edges.
Autograph: The jersey has been signed in black sharpie, “Phil Niekro, 318 W’s, 3,342 K’s, HOF 97, 1977 Game Jersey”.
Final Grade: MEARS A9. Per the MEARS grading system, the uniform starts with 10 points for evaluation based on 5 categories of grading. 1 point was deducted for lighter than optimal visible wear. LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS
(JSA Auction Letter)