Official Wilson 1940s era game-used heavy gray wool Boston Red Sox baseball road jersey, with sewn-on letters and numbers, bearing the original Wilson Athletic Equipment manufacturer’s label inside the collar, with an embroidered “Williams” label underneath, signed in blue felt tip “Ted Williams.” The front bears the familiar midnight navy “Boston” team name, while the back displays Williams’s legendary “9.” The jersey was originally obtained by the renowned collector Barry Halper, and presented to Williams in 1994 at the grand opening of the Ted Williams Museum in Hernando, Florida, at which time Williams signed it. It has since been on display at the Williams Museum and is accompanied by a letter of provenance from David McCarthy, Executive Director of the museum, attesting to the history of the jersey, as well as a certificate of authenticity from museum. As was customary during the time period, the jersey was reused in the Red Sox minor league system, and its number changed to #19; Halper restored the jersey to its original #9 before presenting it to Williams. Scattered light soiling (a bit heavier around collar), small red stitch repair to back, the aforementioned team-instituted alteration, and a small hole to lower right of front, otherwise fine condition. Autographed jerseys have been among the most consistent performers in the hobby, and those bearing signatures from deceased legends hold special appeal for collectors. The heroic number 9, never to be worn in Boston again, strikes a deep chord with any baseball fan, Red Sox or otherwise. As a documented game-worn jersey from the game’s greatest hitter, the present example is particularly scarce and desirable, and a worthy centerpiece for any advanced collection. Auction LOA Steve Grad/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
