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

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

A Legendary Pitcher

Jim “Catfish” Hunter, an iconic figure in the annals of baseball, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987. Known for his remarkable achievements, Hunter was a five-time World Champion and a Cy Young Award winner. His legacy was further cemented when he threw a perfect game in 1968, a feat that remains etched in the memories of baseball enthusiasts. The Oakland Athletics 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 features the Tim McAuliffe manufacturer’s tag, with additional tags indicating the year “’68” and the size “44”. The chest proudly displays “OAKLAND” embroidered in green on yellow on green, while the back showcases the player number “27” in green on yellow tackle twill with a green stitched border. The jersey is uniquely customized with underarm openings, allowing for greater freedom of motion, a feature that speaks to its bespoke nature.

Potential Connection to the Perfect Game

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 throughout the season. Photographic evidence from the perfect game aligns closely with the jersey’s identifiers, although the custom underarm openings are not visible in those images. It is conceivable that these modifications were added post-game, adding an element of mystery to this already captivating piece.

Condition and Provenance

This jersey is properly tagged, was presented to us as game-used and, in our opinion, shows excellent use. It is accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from Photo-Match.com, which grades the jersey a 9, underscoring its exceptional condition and historical significance.

• 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 the game’s greatest pitchers.
• Unique Features: Custom underarm openings and bespoke design elements.
• Condition and Authenticity: Accompanied by a high-grade LOA, affirming its provenance and value.

Own a Piece of Baseball History

This jersey is not just a garment; it is a tangible connection to one of baseball’s most storied moments. As part of our sports memorabilia auctions, it offers collectors a unique opportunity to own a piece of history. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a passionate fan, this jersey is a testament to Jim Hunter’s enduring legacy and the indelible mark he left on the game. Explore more baseball collectibles for sale and consider adding this extraordinary artifact to your collection.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.