1968 Nolan Ryan NY Mets Game-Used Rookie Flannel Jersey

The Earliest Nolan Ryan Jersey: A Historic Baseball Artifact

A Piece of Baseball History

This remarkable jersey stands as the earliest known Nolan Ryan jersey in existence, a testament to the legendary pitcher’s early career with the New York Mets. Originally issued to Dennis Ribant in 1966, this jersey was reissued and worn by Ryan during the latter part of the 1967 season. This period marked a significant moment in Ryan’s career, as he was part of a group call-up announced by the New York Times on August 29, 1967, under the headline “13 Farmhands Recalled” by the Mets.

Significance of the Jersey

The jersey is a vivid representation of the Mets’ resourcefulness during the 1960s. As a young team with limited resources, the Mets often reissued jerseys from previous seasons for late-season call-ups. This practice is well-documented, and in Ryan’s case, it is further substantiated by a photo-match with the Mets’ pitching coach from March 1968. The jersey’s original issuance to Ribant, who was of a similar build to Ryan, underscores the practicality of this practice.

• Historical Context: Represents a pivotal moment in Nolan Ryan’s early career with the Mets.
• Unique Provenance: Originally issued to Dennis Ribant and reissued to Ryan, showcasing the Mets’ resourcefulness.
• Photo-Match Confirmation: Verified by a photo-match with the Mets’ pitching coach from 1968.
• World Series Connection: Ryan’s only World Series appearance was with the Mets in 1969, where he played a crucial role.

Jersey Details and Authenticity

The jersey is a classic grey flannel, featuring the Wilson size 40 label on the front left tail, accompanied by two tags: SET 1 and 66. Inside the back of the neck, a grey strip tag reads: 30-40, indicating the player number and size. The iconic ‘NEW YORK’ is arched across the chest, with the player number (30) below and on the back, both crafted in blue felt on orange tackle twill. The Mets disc patch adorns the left sleeve, adding to its authenticity and charm. This jersey is properly tagged, presented to us as game-used and in our opinion shows excellent wear.

Accompanied by letters from Sports Investors and Photo-Match.com, the jersey’s authenticity and historical significance are well-documented. This piece is not just a jersey; it is a fragment of baseball history, a symbol of Nolan Ryan’s enduring legacy and the Mets’ storied past.

For those interested in acquiring a piece of baseball history, explore our baseball memorabilia auctions for more exceptional items like this. If you have your own piece of history, consider our consignment services to share it with the world. For any inquiries or to appraise baseball jerseys, our experts are here to assist you.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.