5/19/1979 Mike Schmidt Philadelphia Phillies Game-Used & Autographed “Saturday Night” Burgundy Alternate Uniform

The Legendary “Saturday Night Special” Phillies Uniform

A Unique Chapter in Baseball History

In the annals of baseball memorabilia, few items capture the imagination quite like the Philadelphia Phillies’ “Saturday Night Special” uniform. Introduced in 1979, this burgundy alternate uniform was designed to be worn during Saturday games, but its debut was also its swan song, as it was retired after just one appearance. The uniform’s brief lifespan has only added to its mystique, making it a coveted piece for collectors and fans alike.

The Infamous Debut

The “Saturday Night Special” uniform was met with mixed reactions from the outset. Fans and media alike were quick to draw comparisons to pajamas, and the uniform’s bold burgundy color scheme was a departure from the Phillies’ traditional look. Despite the initial backlash, the uniform has become a symbol of a unique moment in the team’s history. On the front right tail of the jersey is a “Rawlings” size “44” manufacturer’s tag, with an attached flag tag reading “SET 1 1979.” A burgundy strip tag with “44 79 1” is embroidered nearby, adding to the authenticity of this remarkable piece.

Mike Schmidt’s Connection

Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt donned this iconic uniform during its sole outing. The jersey features the Phillies’ “P” logo on the left chest, with Schmidt’s number “20” prominently displayed on both the front and back. His name, “SCHMIDT,” is emblazoned across the back on a burgundy nameplate, all crafted in white tackle twill. Schmidt himself signed the jersey below the team logo on the left chest, with the signature rating a 9 overall in our expert opinion. Despite the uniform’s striking appearance, Schmidt’s performance that night was less than stellar, as he struck out in three of his four at-bats.

Authenticity and Provenance

• Manufacturer’s Tags: The jersey is equipped with a “Rawlings” size “34” manufacturer’s tag inside the rear waistline, alongside a white strip tag with “34 24 20 79 1” embroidered on it.
• Game-Used Status: This uniform is properly tagged, was presented to us as game-used, and in our opinion, shows appropriate use.
• Accompanied by LOA: The jersey comes with a Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from JSA, further solidifying its status as a genuine piece of baseball history.

For those interested in acquiring a piece of this unique baseball history, this jersey represents an extraordinary opportunity. It is not just a uniform; it is a testament to a fleeting moment in the storied history of the Philadelphia Phillies. Explore more rare and iconic sports memorabilia at Grey Flannel Auctions, where history comes to life through the artifacts of the game.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.