This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/3/2013
This knit two button Atlanta Braves home jersey was donned by Hall of Fame hurler Phil Niekro during his 1972 campaign with the club. This was the first year that Atlanta switched to knit jerseys from flannel, with the two button pullover style being suggested by Hank Aaron and Eddie Mathews per the 1972 Atlanta Braves yearbook. The knit fabric is roughly 30% lighter than same period Rawlings, Wilson and McAuliffe products, which is unique to these early Sand Knit Jerseys.
Sand Knit size 42 tag sewn in collar along with an exclusivity tag and a felt swatch reading "Niekro 72 Set 2". Period images will confirm this as the triple stitch outline of the tagging is visible in the upper rear of the jersey. All tagging is also consistent with a 1972 Ron Reed Atlanta Braves road jersey in the MEARS exemplar library including the chain stitched period between the year and set number.
Moderate use is shown on the jersey, which is appropriate given Niekro appeared in 17 home games during the 1982 season. Soiling/staining (1.5 point deduction) is present on the jersey most notably on the left side area. MEARS A8.5 (55I0324)
LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS