This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 7/8/2004.
At the tender age of 19 Mel Ott became a regular on the New York Giants and was dubbed "Master Melvin" by the local press. He was perfectly at home in the Polo Grounds, utilizing its short porch in right to his advantage and adeptly playing four positions: right field, center field, second, and third base. His unorthodox batting stance prompted laughs at first and curses later, as pitcher after pitcher fell victim to the home run hitting prowess that made him the first National Leaguer to launch 500 out of the park. He was New York's hometown hero for all of his 22 years in the big leagues and today is remembered as a quiet and dignified man who was the embodiment of sportsmanship. From 1942 to 1947 Ott served as player/manager of the Giants and in 1948 he switched to a full-time managerial position, choosing not to return to the playing field. This magnificent all original 48 road flannel has the "Macgregor Goldsmith" manufacturer's tag in the collar with the size "42." Below this is a white felt patch reading "Ott 4" in red chain stitch. This denotes player name and number, respectively. On the inside left front tail is an additional felt patch reading "1 48" in identical red stitch denoting set number and year. Across the front of the jersey is the city name "New York" and on the back is the number "4." All of the letters and numbers are done in black on orange felt. The jersey shows wear and appears to have no alterations of any kind.