1975 Willie Mays New York Mets Coaches-Worn Home Pinstripe Jersey

Willie Mays’ New York Mets Coach-Worn Jersey: A Timeless Treasure

A Legendary Career Continues

Willie Mays, an icon of baseball, couldn’t simply walk away from the sport after his illustrious 22-year playing career with the New York/San Francisco Giants. The 24-time All-Star, World Series champion, two-time NL MVP, 12-time Gold Glove Award winner, and first-ballot National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee transitioned into a role as a hitting instructor for the New York Mets. This jersey, a testament to his enduring influence in baseball, is a remarkable piece of baseball memorabilia.

Details of the Jersey

The jersey is a classic representation of the Mets’ home attire, featuring the iconic pinstripes. On the front right tail, it bears a “Rawlings” size “42” manufacturer’s tag with washing instructions. Inside the rear collar fold, a strip tag with “42 75 24” is embroidered in blue chain-stitching, indicating the size, year, and Mays’ coach number. Across the chest, “Mets” is emblazoned, with the number “24” appearing both on the front and back, all in blue on orange tackle twill sewn directly onto the jersey.

• Manufacturer: Rawlings
• Size: 42
• Year: 1975
• Number: 24
• Material: Pinstripe home jersey with tackle twill lettering

Unique Features and Historical Significance

On the left sleeve, the team’s “Mets” logo disc patch is embroidered, accompanied by a rare black armband in memory of Joan Payson and Casey Stengel. The sides of the jersey are custom tapered to suit Mays’ tailored preferences, adding a personal touch to this already significant artifact. This jersey is properly tagged, was presented to us as coach-worn, and in our opinion, shows appropriate wear.

This jersey is not just a piece of fabric; it is a symbol of Mays’ continued legacy in baseball. It represents his transition from a legendary player to a mentor and coach, influencing the next generation of players. The jersey’s historical significance is further enhanced by the rare black armband, marking a somber moment in Mets history.

Why This Jersey Matters

• Historical Significance: Represents Willie Mays’ role as a coach for the New York Mets.
• Iconic Player: Worn by one of baseball’s greatest legends.
• Unique Features: Custom tapered sides and rare black armband.
• Condition and Story: Shows appropriate wear, adding to its authenticity and narrative.

This jersey is a coveted item for any sports memorabilia collector, offering a tangible connection to Willie Mays’ enduring legacy. If you have a piece of history to share, consider our consignment services to bring your treasures to the world. Explore more of our baseball memorabilia auctions to discover other iconic pieces from the world of sports.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.