This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 1/23/2020.
The 1954-55 Syracuse Nationals were a team of history, and one that basketball enthusiasts should know and love. Their team featured the first African American to play in the NBA Earl Loyd, who was also the first to start for a championship team that year. Their owner Danny Biasone is mostly known for strongly advocating the use of the 24 second shot clock which went into affect their championship year, and proved to help the Nats in more ways than one. The Nats were a run and gun style team, always hustling, and the use of the 24 second shot clock helped them achieve the ultimate goal. Offered is a beautiful Syracuse Nationals satin jacket that is only the second one we have ever seen. On the inside front right button path is the Rawlings manufacturers tag size “44”. Adjacent is the ultra rare “Al Cervi - Joe Charles Sports Shop” distributors tag. Attached to this is a strip tag reading “#8 Osterkorn”. On the left sleeve is an amazing “N.B.A. WORLD CHAMPIONS 1954-55” patch. On the left chest is a “SYRACUSE NATIONALS” team logo patch. On the front right tail is the player number “8” in red on yellow on blue tackle twill. Across the back reads “SYRACUSE” in the same tackle twill. Down the trim is a sweater material alternating in red, white and blue. This jacket was originally issued to #8 Wally Osterkorn in the 1954-55 season. After the Championship run, the NBA World Champions patch was added to the left sleeve and re-issued to #8 Ed Conlin for the 1955-56 season. There are minor stains throughout the jacket, most notably on the upper left chest, but the jacket displays beautifully. This jacket is properly tagged, was presented to us as player-worn and shows wear.