This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/12/2012.
With significant contributions the likes of implementing the "Farm System," and breaking baseball's color barrier to his credit, Hall of Fame executive Branch Rickey never ceased in his efforts to better the game through experimentation and innovation. Here offered is an oft-overlooked example of Rickey's genius: a 1952 Denver Bears "Strike Zone" uniform. An affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Class A Western League team was issued these experimental ensembles during the spring of 1952 with separate colors to mark the location of the strike zone, the uniforms were designed to aid pitchers in their quests for control. Inside the rear collar is the “A.G. Spalding” manufacturer’s tag with adjacent “Max Cook” distributor’s tag. Attached is the size “44” label. On the left front tail is “52” embroidered in red chain stitch. Across the front is “Bears”. Player number “32” appears on back. All numbers and letters are done in red on blue on white felt. Inside the rear waistband of the pants is the same “A.G. Spalding” manufacturer’s tag and “Max Cook” distributor’s tag. Adjacent are the “Dry Clean Only” label, “36” size label, “#14” label and a felt strip tag with “52” embroidered in red chain stitch. Player number “14” is written in black marker. The uniform is properly tagged, were presented to us as game-used and in our opinion, shows nice wear. Immaculate condition.