This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/31/2015
Craigs James, 6’1”, 215 pounds, was heavily recruited out of high school and decided to attend Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, because that is where his girlfriend and future wife had decided to enrole. Parade's national high school running back of the year, Eric Dickerson, also signed with SMU. The star running back tandem became known as "The Pony Express" and would alternate carries throughout their four-year careers at SMU.
In his freshman year in 1979, James proved more reliable than Dickerson, outgaining him 761 yards to 477, and was named the Southwest Conference's Offensive Newcomer of the Year. By 1982, Dickerson had established himself as the more dominant back as he carried 232 times for 1,617 yards compared to James running 197 times for 938 yards. James found other ways to contribute to the team as he took over punting duties midway through the year after the regular punter was injured and finished sixth in the nation in punting. After college, Craig James signed with the Washington Federals of the upstart USFL
For this lot, MEARS is offering a 1979-81 circa Craig James SMU Home Jersey with accompanying provenance from the original owner who states he purchased the shirt directly from the SMU team equipment manager at a sports memorabilia show in Dallas, TX in November, 1982. Signed, Ronnie Perry
MEARS has also inspected the shirt and verified the following:
Style: Issued as the chain link blue mesh pull over, as was popular during the era, the shirt was cut off (exposed belly) directly below the #32. The number 32 is applied via white on red applique on the sleeves, front and reverse. SMU appears on the front with the same style application of applique. Crew neck was manufactured from a blue ribbed material. No name was ever applied on the reverse, as the practice was allowed at SMU during the era.
The style was confirmed as being correct to have been worn by Craig James during the 1979-81 era. This was verified via accompanying photo documentation.
Year: Per the style of the shirt, Craig Jame’s career at SMU, and the accompanying recollection of the original owner via his letter of provenance, the shirt dates to the 1979-81 era.
Manufacturer (Fab Knit): Located at 1415 North 4th St, WACO, TEXAS, 76707, at one time the company supplied Baylor University, and every school in the now defunct Southwest Conference except Texas A&M. Even the Dallas Cowboys bought gym shorts and practice jerseys from the company.
Game Use: Shirt exhibits light to moderate game wear with no visible stains or contact marks.
Provenance: Shirt comes with a letter of provenance from Ronnie Perry stating he purchased the shirt during 1982, copy enclosed.
Final Grade (MEARS A8): When examining and comparing the jersey to the 5 categories of evaluation per the MEARS Official Worksheet, MEARS determined the following: 2 points were deducted for shirt having moderate game wear. (78F0529)
LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS