1962 Gil Hodges New York Mets Game-Used Home Flannel Jersey
(Photo-Matched To His First Mets Jersey From The Franchises Inaugural Season)
Gil Hodges’ 1962 New York Mets Jersey: A Historic Treasure
A Legendary Beginning
The 1962 New York Mets season marked the inception of a storied franchise, and at the heart of this historic moment was Gil Hodges, a 2021 Hall of Fame inductee. Presented here is a true piece of baseball memorabilia, the first jersey worn by Hodges during the Mets’ inaugural season. This jersey is not just a garment; it is a testament to the dawn of a new era in Major League Baseball.
Authenticity and Provenance
This remarkable jersey was originally issued to Hodges in 1962, when he donned the number “14”. It has been meticulously photo-matched to Spring Training of the Mets’ first campaign, underscoring its authenticity. The front left tail features the Spalding manufacturer’s tag, accompanied by a flag tag reading “SET 1 1962”. Inside the collar, a strip tag with “46 62 14” indicates the size, year, and player number, all embroidered in blue.
Design and Features
The jersey proudly displays “Mets” across the chest, with the number “46” on the back, both crafted in navy blue felt on orange tackle twill. A distinctive feature is the “NEW YORK WORLD’S FAIR” patch on the left sleeve, added in 1964 when the jersey was reissued to number 46. This reissue suggests that the jersey was likely worn in Spring Training during subsequent seasons.
- Historical Significance: Worn by Gil Hodges during the Mets’ inaugural season.
- Unique Design: Features the iconic Mets logo and the New York World’s Fair patch.
- Photo-Matched: Confirmed by a Photo-Match.com LOA.
- Condition: Shows outstanding use with extended organizational wear.
A Jersey with a Story
This jersey is more than just a piece of fabric; it is a narrative of resilience and transformation. Originally issued to Hodges in 1962, it underwent a number change on the back to “46” for subsequent seasons. The New York World’s Fair patch, added in 1964, further enriches its story. Despite the passage of time, the jersey exhibits separation at both shoulder seams and the back numerals, indicative of its extensive use and historical journey.
Presented to us as game-used, this jersey is properly tagged and, in our opinion, shows outstanding use with extended organizational wear. It is accompanied by a Photo-Match.com LOA, confirming its match and adding to its provenance. This extraordinary piece is a must-have for any serious collector of sports memorabilia.
Why This Jersey Matters
Owning this jersey is not just about possessing a piece of baseball history; it is about embracing the legacy of a player who helped shape the New York Mets. Gil Hodges’ contributions to the game are immortalized in this jersey, making it an invaluable addition to any baseball collection. This jersey is a celebration of the past and a symbol of the enduring spirit of baseball.
* This text was generated from the original auction listing.