Circa 1923 Princeton University Jacket Attributed to Moe Berg

Moe Berg’s Princeton Team Jacket: A Piece of Baseball and Espionage History

The Dual Legacy of Moe Berg

Moe Berg stands as one of the most enigmatic figures in the annals of baseball history. A journeyman catcher in Major League Baseball, Berg’s career spanned fifteen seasons from 1923 to 1939. Yet, it is not solely his athletic prowess that captivates historians today. Unbeknownst to many during his lifetime, Berg was a spy for the U.S. Government, later recruited by the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the precursor to the CIA. His post-baseball endeavors took him across Europe, gathering intelligence on Germany’s nuclear capabilities during World War II, and later attempting to obtain Soviet atomic information.

A Jacket with a Storied Past

This particular jacket, attributed to Moe Berg, is a testament to his multifaceted life. Inside the rear collar, a “A.G. Spalding & Bros.” manufacturer’s tag is prominently displayed, with “BERG” inscribed in black marker beneath it. The jacket’s design features a navy blue felt “P” sewn onto the front left chest pocket, with matching felt outlining the three pockets and neck collar. A single row of three buttons elegantly runs down the front. Although the hang strap is not connected inside the rear collar, the jacket is properly tagged and was presented to us as attributed to Berg, showing appropriate wear.

Provenance and Historical Significance

This jacket was originally sourced from Moe Berg’s brother, Sam Berg, and later acquired by the renowned collector Barry Halper. Halper’s collection included an extraordinary array of items once belonging to Moe Berg, such as his Princeton game-used baseball jersey, which was auctioned in the 1999 Halper Sotheby’s auction. The items were identified in the collar in black marker, exactly as this Princeton team jacket.

• Historical Significance: Represents Moe Berg’s dual legacy as a baseball player and a spy.
• Unique Provenance: Sourced from Berg’s family and acquired by Barry Halper, a famed collector.
• Condition and Authenticity: Properly tagged and attributed to Berg, showing appropriate wear.
• Comprehensive Collection: Accompanied by Berg’s personal items, including passports, correspondence, and spy-related documents.

A Legacy of Intrigue and Mystery

The collection of Moe Berg’s items, including this jacket, paints a vivid picture of a man whose life was as complex as it was fascinating. Alongside the jacket were Berg’s passports, souvenirs from his 1934 Tour of Japan, personal correspondence, handwritten notebooks, and even his OSS photo ID card. These artifacts underscore the depth of Berg’s involvement in both baseball and espionage.

For collectors and enthusiasts, this jacket is more than just a piece of baseball memorabilia; it is a symbol of a unique intersection between sports and international intrigue. If you are interested in exploring more about such fascinating items, visit our sports memorabilia auctions page. Additionally, if you possess similar items and wish to share their stories, consider our consignment services to bring your treasures to light.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.