Note: This outstanding uniform was initially featured in our Fall, 2024 auction, described as a 1951 Uniform as indicated by MEARS. After an astute collector pointed out that the red number on the jersey front was specific to the 1952 uniforms, we consulted with MEARS again and they modified their LOA to reflect the fact that the uniform was provided to Clyde King for 1951, and subsequently repurposed by the Dodgers and used again by King in 1952. The uniform was pulled from that auction until we could have the LOA revised, and is being offered here with the proper documentation.
1951 was a magical year for New York baseball, the rookie seasons of both Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays, the Shot Heard 'Round the World winning the Giants the pennant over Brooklyn, and a subsequent Subway Series between the Yankees and Giants. A relief pitcher with the Brooklyn Dodgers that season, Clyde King had the best year of his career, posting a 14-7 record in 121.1 innings pitched across 48 games. He even served as a spot starter, starting three games and throwing a complete game.
Presented here is an amazing artifact from that season - King's complete Brooklyn Dodgers home uniform, including his jersey, pants, stirrups and socks, with an additional pair of pants and stirrups included as well. Meticulously cleaned and carefully preserved by his family, the heavy felt uniform remains in remarkable condition, the finest vintage uniform we have handled.
The home jersey is a Spalding 7-button felt jersey, size 44, tagged for 1951. King's name is stitched onto the tail of the uniform, with all the proper manufacturer's tags and identifying information intact. All the numbers and lettering are original to the piece, clean as new. The jersey appears to be missing the 1951 sleeve patch, a fact not mentioned on the MEARS LOA but a fact nonetheless. King's name is also stitched into a plate on the pants, which are size 36 Spalding pants as well.
King returned to the Dodgers for 1952, despite arm and shoulder troubles that caused considerable pain. He pitched through the pain but it impacted his numbers, posting a 5.06 ERA in 23 games. He retained his uniform number 23, the new number stitched onto his 1951 jersey, as reflected here. Aside from that modification, the remaining elements remain as issued in 1951.
An incredible complete 1951 Brooklyn Dodgers uniform with extra pants and stirrups, graded A10 by MEARS, in outstanding condition as issued to Dodgers pitcher Clyde King.