This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 6/10/2024.
Mario Lemieux is as talented as anyone who ever played the game. The Hockey HOF inducted him immediately after his first retirement in 1997, waiving the normal three-year waiting period; upon his return in 2000, he became the third HOFer (after Howe and Lafleur) to play after being inducted. Bobby Orr called him “the most talented player I’ve ever seen.” During the 96-97 season, Lemieux played in 76 games (third most of his injury plagued career), scored 50 goals, 72 assists and 122 points. According to the Classic letter, this jersey was worn by Lemieux when he scored one of his last playoff goals prior to his first retirement. Super Mario wore this jersey at Philadelphia’s spectrum on April 19th for Game 2 against Eric Lindros’ Flyers. Le Magnifique fired a shot past Garth Snow 10:59 into the first in the Penguins’ 3-2 loss for the first of what would prove to be his final three playoff goals, until his comeback in 2000-01. Inside the back of the neck of this black mesh jersey, is a Center Ice / STARTER / size (58-R) tags. Number ‘4’ handwritten in black marker on the STARTER tag and ‘66c’ handwritten in black marker on the size tag, with a small red square sticker affixed below. The customized hem around the tail has been folded over and sewn in place to shorten it. Inside the back of the tail is a patch with ‘66 LEMIEUX ‘96-97’ stitched in black. Handwritten in black marker inside of the white band around the bottom of the jersey is ‘4/19/97 VS FLYERS 1ST ROUND GOAL #1’ and the black marker had bled through to the outside of the mesh fabric on the lower back. Captain’s ‘C’ on the left, player number (66) on the back and player name (LEMIEUX) on a black nameplate across the back - all done in gold on white tackle twill. ‘PITTSBURGH’ is done diagonally across the front, in gold on white tackle twill with black embroidery. Penguins logos on the shoulders. Fightstrap intact. This jersey is properly tagged, presented to us as game-used and in our opinion shows appropriate wear. Accompanied by a letter from penguinschronicles.com, as well as a letter from Classic Auctions.