Early 1940s Joe DiMaggio New York Yankees Game-Used Home Pinstripe Flannel Jersey
(Possibly Worn In '41—The 56-Game Hitting Streak, MVP & World Championship Season)
Joe DiMaggio’s Legendary Jersey: A Testament to Baseball History
An Icon of the Game
Joe DiMaggio, the legendary center fielder for the New York Yankees, is celebrated as one of the most accomplished players in Major League Baseball history. Over his illustrious 13-year career, DiMaggio was named an American League All-Star every season and earned the title of American League MVP three times. His tenure with the Yankees was marked by nine World Series championships, and his legacy was further cemented with his inclusion in the Major League Baseball All-Century Team.
DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak from May 15th to July 17th, 1941, remains one of the most unbreakable records in sports. During this streak, he achieved a remarkable .408 batting average, hitting 15 home runs and driving in 55 RBIs. This record continues to stand the test of time, with no modern player coming within 10 games of this feat.
The Jersey’s Unique Features
The jersey in question is a remarkable piece of baseball memorabilia, presented to us as game-used and in our opinion, shows outstanding use. Inside the rear collar, it features an “A.G. SPALDING BROS” manufacturer’s tag with a size “44” flag tag attached. Below, a flannel strip tag with “Joe DiMaggio” is embroidered in navy blue chain-stitching. The player number “5” is prominently displayed on the back in navy blue felt lettering, all-original as issued. These components are essential to any quality game-used jersey.
- Historical Significance: Believed to be worn during DiMaggio’s iconic 1941 season.
- Authenticity: Accompanied by an LOA from noted jersey enthusiast Dave Bushing.
- Restoration: Professionally restored with period Yankees flannel for museum-quality display.
- Provenance: Presented with a “HEALTH” patch from the Hale America initiative, indicating its journey through the Yankees’ minor league system.
A Jersey with a Story
The Yankees’ “NY” logo on the chest, along with much of the front of the jersey, has been professionally restored. The restoration process involved weaving new sections into the shirt, preserving its historical integrity with period-appropriate materials. This meticulous work ensures the jersey’s museum-quality display.
We believe this jersey was worn by DiMaggio during the 1940 or 1941 season, based on several factors. In 1939, Yankees jerseys featured red stitching and the year sewn into the rear tail. This jersey, with its navy blue stitching, suggests it was issued after 1939. The “HEALTH” patch, original to the shirt, was added in 1942 as part of the Hale America initiative, a fitness program launched during World War II. This indicates the jersey’s transition from the Yankees to a minor league affiliate before being restored to its professional appearance.
Documented authentic exemplars of 1942 Yankees jerseys include a “42” year tag and an updated Spalding manufacturer’s tag. A photo-matched 1942 DiMaggio jersey, authenticated by Dave Grob, supports this timeline. In conjunction with these facts, we believe this jersey was issued for use prior to the 1942 season.
This jersey is a rare and significant artifact, potentially the only home DiMaggio jersey conclusively tied to the 1941 season. It stands as one of the most significant entries in the past decade of sports memorabilia auctions. For those interested in acquiring a piece of baseball history, this jersey represents an unparalleled opportunity to own a fragment of DiMaggio’s enduring legacy.
* This text was generated from the original auction listing.