Offered is one of the most special Robin Yount jersey handled by the staff of MEARS. What makes this jersey so special is the fact that it was owned by Dwyn Castle. Who is Dwyn Castle? She was the president of the Robin Yount fan club from 1974-1993. In an auction several years ago, the contents of her estate were offered for public sale. Many artifacts were purchased for inclusion in the MEARS museum and will be on permanent display. This jersey was not included in the sale, as it was gifted by Dwyn Castle to her nephew. Included with the jersey is a hand written note which reads,
"My aunt Dwyn Castle was given this jersey from Robin Yount himself. She was the president of the Robin Yount National fan club. When she went into the nursing home her collection was sold off except for a few items she gave to family members. It has never been offered for public sale. Signed, XXXXXX (consignor). 7/27/10."
With the thousands of items saved by Ms. Castle, this was obviously one of her most cherished as she held it to the very end.
The jersey is the 1978 home pinstripe pullover style as verified by references in the MEARS library. Manufactured by Medalist Sandknit, the tag is correct for the era when compared to 1978 Don Money Sandknit home jersey in the MEARS database.
Size 40 is correct for Robin Yount when compared to the following examples which have entered the hobby:
1978 Yount Sandknit size 40
1979 Yount Sandknit size 40
1985 Yount Sandknit size 40
Therefore, size 40 is the correct size for Yount for the era.
Per a visual inspection, the BREWERS, 19 (front), 19 (reverse) are consistent with available 1978 Brewers images from the MEARS Database, (1978 McLish Home, 1978 Gantner Home).
Regarding game use, the jersey shows heavy, optimal game wear, which would be consistent with a full season or at least an long extended period of time. The collar shows piling to the ribbing, and fabric wear to the underarm areas. The BREWERS font and 19 is well worn, with fraying to many of the anchor threadings. When examining the jersey, there is an even, consistent degree of wear found throughout the entire jersey. The jersey appears to be in the original condition as last worn by Yount following the 1978 season.
When interviewing the consignor, it was his recollection of a conversation with Dwyn that the jersey was obtained after the final game of the season and was personally handed to her by Robin.
Although we do not have the means to examine the reverse, when examining the two available images (both taken by Dwyn!)the jersey has a remarkable photo match to of the pinstripes to the front BREWERS & 19 font.
Final Grade: MEARS A10