This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/1/2016
This lot will present the very rare opportunity for a collector to own a shirt the era of the Chicago Bulls Inaugural Season.
On January 16, 1966 Chicago was granted an NBA franchise to be called the Bulls. The Chicago Bulls became the third NBA franchise in the city, after the Chicago Stags (1946–50) and the Chicago Packers–Zephyrs. The Bulls' founder, Dick Klein, was the Bulls' only owner to ever play professional basketball (for the Chicago American Gears). He served as the Bulls' president and general manager in their initial years.
After the 1966 NBA Expansion Draft, the newly founded Chicago Bulls were allowed to acquire players from the previously established teams in the league for the upcoming 1966–67 season. The team started in the 1966–67 NBA season, and posted the best record by an expansion team in NBA history. Coached by Chicagoan and former NBA star Johnny "Red" Kerr, and led by former NBA assist leader Guy Rodgers, guard Jerry Sloan and forward Bob Boozer, the Bulls qualified for the playoffs, the only NBA team to do so in their inaugural season. In their first two seasons, the Bulls played most of their home games at the International Amphitheatre, before moving to Chicago Stadium.
This lot represents a very rare opportunity to own a piece of Chicago and NBA history. Per our research, this is only the third known surviving road example from the inaugural season.
Number 9 was worn by Don Kojis (1966) and Ken Wilburn (1967, 1968). Although we cannot determine exactly which season(s) the shirt was worn, the style was worn from 1966-1968 and the number was issued during that time span.
Style: Shirt is red durene with straight cut tail. Three white, 2 red stripes made from an elastic material are found on the side panels. The arm and neck opening is also white, black, and red elastic. “BULLS”, “9” (front and reverse) are found with blue on black drop shadow double tackle twill. The style of the shirt is confirmed as being worn by the Bulls from 1966-1968. For the 1968-69 season, the team switched to a road shirt with “CHICAGO” lettered across the front. Period photos and comparison to additional examples which have entered the hobby confirm the style as being correct for the era.
Manufacturer (Rawlings): Per the MEARS Official Tagging Database, the style of the Rawlings tag is found on basketball shirts during the 1962-72 timeframe and is considered correct for this shirt.
Size: Tagged size 40 (L, supplemental tag), the actual shirt is consistent with the tagged size.
Game Wear: Shirt exhibits moderate game wear.
A matching pair of trunks and stirrups accompany this lot, making this a complete ensemble.
Final Grade: MEARS awarded the shirt the perfect A10 grade.
(84L0947)