Offered for the MEARS Online Auctions May 23rd-28th, 2011 sale is one of the finest Mike Schmidt jersey extant. Worn by Schmidt during his 1986 MVP season, this is the only home example from that year known to exist. (Per the MEARS jersey census report). A 1986 road jersey was sold via an east coast auction house in 2000.
The MVP award was a certainty, as Schmidt batted .290, belted 37 HRs, and added 119 RBI's to his already impressive career stats. Additional 1986 season awards include his 1986 All Star Game appearance, Gold Glove award, and a Silver Slugger Trophy.
This jersey must have held special meaning to Schmidt, as it was at one time part of his personal collection and was gifted to a major league teammate. During the years 1985-87, a Phillies teammate, a Racine native, opened a Sports Complex in his hometown. As a gift to his friend, Mike Schmidt presented him with this very special 1986 MVP season jersey. The jersey hung in the lobby, admired by the young, aspiring future baseball players.
After a decade, the complex was closed, and this jersey was given by the player to the current owner, our consignor of this lot.
The jersey is a perfect example containing the significance of a historic season, heavy game use, and offered with verifiable provenance, chronicling the lineage of this shirt.
MEARS #31168. Jersey was examined using a black light and magnified light source to look for alterations or foreign additions. None were found.
The examined jersey was issued as a 1986 Phillies home jersey. Zipper front. "Phillies" patch found on left sleeve.
Wilson was the supplier of Phillies jerseys during the 1986 season. The design of the tag is correct and verfied via the MEARS Tagging database (Grob). Additional examples verifying Wilson as the supplier for Phillies jerseys include Aguayo and Hultzapple, former Phillies players. (MEARS database). This verifies both the correct style tag and Wilson as a supplier.
With regards to style, font of nameplate, NIC (name in collar), and Phillies patch placement and design, MEARS again referenced the following two jerseys: Aguayo and Hultzapple. This allowed for a comparison to actual examples to verify correct jersey style, font and nameplate style, NIC application and sewing font used, and verification of left sleeve patch.
Size 44. Examination by comparison confirms size 44 as the appropriate size for the era. Other examples used for size comparison include:
1985 Wilson Road Schmidt size 44
1986 Wilson Road Schmidt size 44
1987 Wilson Road Schmidt size 44
Therefore, size 44 is correct and verifiable for Mike Schmidt for the 1986 season.
Game Wear: Heavy. Jersey exhibits heavy, optimal game wear. The body shell fabric reveals an even, consistent wear to the fabric. Light toning is evenly distributed throughout the front and reverse. The area of the neck where the NIC is found displays even, consistent game wear and toning. Fabric stress is evident on the anchor stitching on the numerals, lettering, and team logo. The reverse 20 shows slight puckering, with visible signs to the anchor stitching. Perfect overall heavy game wear.
Final Grade (MEARS A10): Jersey is awarded the final grade of MEARS A10. For each category of grading, there are no areas for point deductions.
Provenance: An additional signed letter from Schmidt's teammate accompanies this jersey. When the jersey was consigned to MEARS Auctions, company president witnessed the phone interview between the consignor and ex-player verifying the ownership, lineage and accompanying provenance. Players name will be revealed to any parties that bid on this lot, along with access to a copy of the player letter.
Letter of Opinion Troy R. Kinunen/MEARS Auctions. LOA Former Schmidt teammate.
e0082
(MEARS LOA)