This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/3/2013
NOTE: Although the graphic shows a 10 grade, a re-inspection of the jersey warranted an adjustment of the grade to MEARS A9.
A free agent from Vanderbilt in 1938, Buford ‘Baby’ Ray was a dominating blocker and defensive tackle.
The co-captain of the Vanderbilt University Commodores in 1937, the 6’6” Ray was a giant of a lineman in his time. He weighed more than 280 pounds in college but dropped 30 pounds in his first season with the Green Bay Packers.
He blocked a punt for a safety against Detroit in 1939 in a game the Packers won 12-7. Ray played 11 seasons, from 1938-48. He was a member of two Packers championship teams. Ray became a long-time Packers scout after his retirement.
For this auction, MEARS is proud to offer the first 1948 Green Bay Packers home jersey to ever enter the hobby. This is also less than approximately 6 surviving pre 1950 Packers jerseys known to have entered the hobby.
Supplied by rival city Chicago’s King O’ Shea, the jersey is manufactured from blue knitted wool. The body shell has full length set in sleeves with ribbed openings. The tail is complete with a 6 button crotch piece. The numerals, 44, appear on both front and back in serifed numbering. The numerals are yellow satin and serve as a bright contrast to the navy shell.
Size 44 appears in the crotch piece.
The jersey shows signs of heavy game wear. The shell fabric shows stress from contact. Numerous hit marks can be found on both the front and reverse numerals. The back of the jersey has about 12 small moth holes. They cannot be seen when displayed due to the navy color of the jersey, but are mentioned for accuracy and grading.
Final Grade (MEARS A9): Base grade of 10 points were assigned for jersey matching correct manufacturer, style, and sizing for Ray. 1 point was subtracted for the small holes on reverse. LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS
(B0238)