PLEASE NOTE: An astute collector brought to our attention the presence of the red uniform numbers on the jersey front being specific to 1952 Dodgers uniforms. We consulted with MEARS, who advised us that the 1951 and 1952 jerseys were, essentially, the same, with the exception of the red numbers on the front. It is the opinion of MEARS that this is King's 1951 jersey that was repurposed and used by King in 1952. However, this piece of information renders our description - and the LOA - inaccurate. At this late stage in the auction, there is hardly time to correct this error with a proper description and revised LOA. There is also hardly time to advise the bidders on this lot of the error and give them time to cancel their bids if they choose. Therefore, we have elected to make the tough decision to withdraw this lot from the auction.
We have a significant amount of material from the Clyde King collection that will be featured in our Spring auction, including more coaches' uniforms. We will re-list this uniform with a proper description and identification, and a revised LOA, in that auction.
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.
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.