Fall Classic 2002

Lot #145:

1969 Tug McGraw New York Mets Game-Used Home World Series Jersey

Screaming and slapping his glove against his leg after each of his 11 saves and four wins in the final month of the 1973 baseball season, relief pitcher Tug McGraw was the emotional sparkplug that led the New York Mets to the World Series. Inspired by McGraw's "Ya Gotta Believe" battle cry, the Mets climbed from last place in the National League East earlier in the season and six and a half games out on August 30 to reach first place to stay on September 21. With "Ya Gotta Believe" remaining a prominent Mets slogan thirty years after McGraw coined it, Tug's place in Mets history seems forever secured. Offered here is a Tug McGraw New York Mets home flannel jersey from the 1969 regular season, National League Championship Series, and World Series. McGraw pitched during the regular season and NLCS and was on the roster during the World Series. In the neck of the jersey is a white felt patch with "40 69 45" sewn on in blue chain stitch to represent size, year, and player number, respectively. On the left front tail is the "Spalding" manufacturer's tag and to the right of it is the size tag "40." Below this is the wash tag and to its right is a flag tag reading "Set 1 1969." The team name "Mets" appears on the front of the jersey in script-style lettering and the player number "45" is sewn onto the left breast and the back of the jersey. All of the letters and numbers are made of blue felt on an orange tackle twill backing. On the left sleeve is the Mets "skyline" patch and on the right sleeve is the "100th Anniversary" patch. As was done with all 1969 New York Mets jerseys prior to the playoffs, the "100th Anniversary" patch was moved from the left sleeve to the right sleeve and the Mets "skyline" patch was sewn onto the left sleeve. The jersey's tagging and stitching are consistent with tagging and stitching present on other New York Mets jerseys from that era. The jersey shows game use with consistent, even wear throughout and appears to have no alterations of any kind. Is there a more appropriate jersey for a Miracle Mets collection?