1968 Jim “Catfish” Hunter Oakland A’s Game-Used Home Flannel Vest

Jim “Catfish” Hunter’s 1968 Jersey: A Piece of Baseball History

A Legendary Career

Jim “Catfish” Hunter, a name synonymous with baseball greatness, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987. His illustrious career is marked by remarkable achievements, including being a five-time World Champion and a Cy Young Award winner. Hunter’s legacy is further immortalized by his perfect game in 1968, a feat that remains etched in the annals of baseball history. The Oakland Athletics have honored his contributions by retiring his number 27, a testament to his enduring impact on the franchise.

The 1968 Jersey: A Rare Artifact

This 1968 one-year style jersey is a rare and significant piece of baseball memorabilia. On the front left tail, it proudly displays the Tim McAuliffe manufacturer’s tag, accompanied by tags indicating the year “‘68” and the size “44”. The jersey features “OAKLAND” embroidered across the chest in a striking green on yellow on green design. The back showcases the player number “27” in green on yellow tackle twill, bordered with green stitching. Notably, the jersey includes custom underarm openings, providing additional freedom of motion, a unique feature that adds to its historical value.

A Possible Connection to Perfection

There is a tantalizing possibility that this jersey was worn by Hunter during his perfect game on May 8th, 1968, against the Minnesota Twins. The industry standard at the time was for players to be issued two home and two road jerseys per season. Photographic evidence from Hunter’s perfect game aligns closely with the placement of the identifiers on this jersey. Although the custom underarm openings are not visible in the photos from the game, it is conceivable that they were added post-game. This jersey is properly tagged, was presented to us as game-used and in our opinion shows excellent use.

Why This Jersey Matters

• Historical Significance: Potentially worn during Hunter’s perfect game, a landmark event in baseball history.
• Iconic Player: Represents Jim “Catfish” Hunter, a Hall of Famer and one of baseball’s legendary pitchers.
• Unique Features: Custom underarm openings and a slight tear on the back add to its narrative.
• Condition and Provenance: Accompanied by a LOA from Photo-Match.com grading the jersey a 9, underscoring its authenticity and value.

Own a Piece of Baseball Legacy

This jersey is not just a garment; it is a tangible connection to a moment of baseball brilliance. As part of our sports memorabilia auctions, it offers collectors a chance to own a piece of history that celebrates the extraordinary achievements of Jim “Catfish” Hunter. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a passionate fan, this jersey is a must-have addition to any baseball collection. If you have your own piece of history, consider our appraisal services to discover its value.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.