Decorated with two Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts for heroism during World War II, Hank Bauer was to become better known for other feats, namely, nine American League pennants, seven World Series titles and a record 17-game Fall Classic hitting streak. This New York Yankees road jersey was worn and autographed by the perennial Bronx champion during the 1958 campaign. The gray flannel button-down garment features felt identifiers and proper “Wilson” tagging. Within the collar and on the left front, Bauer has rendered blue marker signatures that project (“8-9”) strength. This vintage all-original Yankees gamer hails from the fabled franchise’s most dominant period. Full photo LOA from Dave Miedema. More on our website.
The gray flannel button-down garment features “NEW YORK” sewn across the chest in blue felt characters and “9” sewn to the back in like fashion. The latter identifier has undergone professional restoration. Within the collar, a vintage felt strip tag has chain-stitched identifiers reading “Bauer 1958,” while the tapered left front tail is home to a “Wilson” size “42” label. Of note is a period black marker notation of “59” on the “Wilson” tag, suggesting Bauer wore the jersey during the 1959 season, as well. In blue marker, Bauer has signed within the collar and on the left front. The latter signature is accompanied by his inscription of “#9.” That inscription and this jersey are noteworthy as Bauer was the last New York Yankees player to wear number “9” before it was worn by Roger Maris and later retired in his honor. There are (6) holes (as tailored) under each arm to facilitate ventilation. Moderate wear is evident with areas of faint perspiration-induced discoloration.
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