This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/30/2012
Offered for consideration is an all original 1974 Yogi Berra New York Mets game worn road jersey, worn during his second to last season as a skipper for the Mets.
Jersey is tagged size 42. Other period examples used to compare size for Berra include:
1973 Road Size 42 (Mets)
1975 Road Size 42 (Mets)
Therefore, size 42 is compares favorably to other examples that have entered the hobby.
The following portion of the evaluation was compared to the work performed by Dave Grob on the 1974 Jerry Grote that appeared in a past MEARS Auctions.
Manufacturers Tagging: The jersey features a c1972-1984 Rawlings tag that specifies cold water laundering.
Featured is also supplemental tagging in the collar of “42 (size) 74 (year, 1974) and 8 (player #)”. All of this affixed to a twill swatch that has only been sewn through the first fold of the collar. The structural integrity of the collar area has not been compromised, as such this supplemental tagging is assessed as being original to the garment. Examples from 1974 can be found with the year designated as either “1974” or simply “74”. My data base includes a 1974 New York Mets road jersey of Cleon Jones that is constructed in the “1974” manner. That Jones jersey, like this one, is without a year/set flag tag affixed to the Rawlings tag in the tail. As such, I would consider the tagging to appropriate by year, team, and manufacturer. This Berra example is also consistent with the 1974 Grote Road which sold in the MEARS Auction, September, 2012.
Construction/Style: The jersey is constructed of 100% synthetic fabrics. Based on comparisons with period on hand Rawlings professional sample uniforms (material content specified), this would be consistent with a 95% polyester/5% nylon blend as opposed to the 60% nylon/40% cotton blend Rawlings introduced in 1970 and this is considered period, team, and manufacturer appropriate.
During this period, you will also find evidence that Goodman and Sons provided road uniforms to the New York Mets. Those are most easily distinguished from the Rawlings products by the soutache that adorns the collar and placket area. The Rawlings soutache is a narrow 3mm while to Goodman & Sons products feature a wider 8mm fabric. There are also differences in the font styles as well. Both the Rawlings and Goodman products feature set-in sleeves and button array of three buttons above the lettering. All of this was found appropriate for this garment by year, team, and manufacturer.
Per Dave Grob’s work on the 1974 Jerry Grote, the following similarities referenced are present when compared to this 1974 Yogi Berra Rawlings Road jersey.
Final Grade (MEARS A7.5): 10 base points were assigned for jersey being consistent with known authentic examples of 1974 Mets jerseys with respect to manufacturer, sizing, style, font, and lettering. 2 points were subtracted for condition including the broken soutache. Minus ½ point for broken stitching to the Rawlings tag. LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS
(X0353)
(JSA Auction Letter)