This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 7/8/2004.
Lou Gehrig's career in baseball began at Columbia University, where he set several school records in his sophomore year. Fresh out of college he played two years in the Eastern League and signed with the New York Yankees just four days shy of his 20th birthday. On May 31, 1925, he played in the first of what would become a streak of 2,130 consecutive games that ended only when disease had rendered his body all but unable to run the bases. In the years between, he had become the game's greatest first baseman, a model of consistency and sportsmanship. In a tribute befitting only a player and gentleman of his caliber, his number "4" became the first number ever to be retired by a professional sports franchise. This jersey first came to light 15 years ago when it was discovered in Roscoe, New York. As was customary in the early days of baseball, jerseys -- after they had seen a fair share of use in the Bigs -- were handed down for use by others rather than just discarded, and this one landed up in the poses of the Babe Ruth League of childrens teams, equivalent to the modern-day little leagues. It was tucked away, along with several other period Yankee flannels, and when found was sold privately to one of the hobby's pre-eminent collectors. It has since resided in his collection and Grey Flannel is proud to bring it to auction for the first time. In the collar is the "A.G. Spalding" manufacturer's tag and next to this is the player name "L. Gehrig" in crisp red chain stitch. Across the front of the jersey is the city name "New York" and on the back is the player number "4." The "YO" as well as the number "4" have been expertly restored. The sleeves of the jersey have been trimmed, an attribute common to many of the known Gehrig gamers. In the tail of the jersey are remnants of the "fat-strap" that is often associated with shirts worn by Babe Ruth but was of no use to a man of Gehrig's athletic build. Swatches of matching period fabric have been added to the shirt in several places to either replace missing material or reinforce existing material. With the exception of those enhancements mentioned above, the jersey is original in all respects. It shows excellent use and is of a quality that is rarely seen.