Auction Archive

1968-69 George Sutor Pittsburgh/Minnesota Pipers Player-Worn Warm-Up Fleece Jacket

(Heritage)

SOLD FOR $7,337
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21
93
$1,000
21

The Rare Pittsburgh Pipers Warm-Up Jacket: A Unique Piece of Basketball History

A Glimpse into the ABA’s Turbulent Era

The American Basketball Association (ABA) was a league marked by its vibrant style and tumultuous history. Among its many stories, the journey of the Pittsburgh Pipers stands out as a testament to the league’s unpredictability. The Pipers, crowned champions in the ABA’s inaugural 1967-68 season, embarked on a bold move to Minneapolis, occupying the Bloomington’s Met Center after the Minnesota Muskies relocated to become the Miami Floridians. However, this venture was short-lived, and the Pipers returned to Pittsburgh for the 1969-70 season, leaving behind a legacy of rare memorabilia from their brief Minnesota tenure.

An Exceedingly Rare Artifact

In the realm of basketball memorabilia, items from the ABA are considered rare treasures. Yet, the Pittsburgh Pipers’ warm-up jacket from their solitary season in Minnesota is an exceptionally scarce find. This flamboyant baby blue fleece jacket is adorned with distinctive features that capture the essence of the era:

  • Rawlings Size 46 Label: A testament to its authenticity, the jacket bears the Rawlings size 46 label, along with a wash label and a blank white swatch inside the interior button path.
  • Pipers Logo Patch: The left breast proudly displays the Pipers logo patch, symbolizing the team’s identity.
  • ABA Champions Patch: The right breast features the ‘ABA CHAMPIONS 1967 1968’ logo patch, commemorating their historic victory.
  • Player Number and Team Name: The player number (15) is elegantly crafted in orange tackle twill on the left sleeve, while the team name ‘PITTSBURGH PIPERS’ is emblazoned across the back in orange on white tackle twill.

A Piece of Basketball Legacy

This warm-up jacket is not just a garment; it is a piece of basketball history. Presented to us as player-worn, it exhibits appropriate wear, further enhancing its authenticity and allure. Accompanied by a HERITAGE Certificate of Authenticity (COA), this jacket is a testament to the Pipers’ fleeting yet impactful presence in the ABA.

For collectors and enthusiasts, this jacket represents an opportunity to own a fragment of a bygone era, a time when the ABA’s colorful and dynamic spirit captivated fans. As part of our sports memorabilia auctions, this item stands as a symbol of the league’s enduring legacy and the Pipers’ unique journey.

Explore more rare and iconic basketball collectibles for sale and consider consigning your own pieces of history with Grey Flannel Auctions. Our appraisal experts are here to help you uncover the value of your treasured items.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.