Late 1960s Stephen Vacendak Pitt/Minn/Pitt Pipers Inaugural Season ABA Worn Road Fleece Warm-Up Jacket

The Pittsburgh Pipers: A Journey Through ABA History

A Historic Inaugural Season

The 1967-68 season marked the dawn of the American Basketball Association (ABA), and with it, the rise of the Pittsburgh Pipers. Under the leadership of the legendary Hall of Famer Connie Hawkins, the Pipers clinched the Eastern Division title. Their journey culminated in a thrilling seven-game series against the New Orleans Bucs, where they emerged victorious, securing the first-ever ABA Championship. This triumph not only etched their name in history but also set the stage for the Pipers’ remarkable legacy in professional basketball.

A Tale of Relocation and Resilience

Following their championship victory, the Pipers embarked on a journey of relocation that would define their identity. Prior to the 1968-69 season, the team moved to Minnesota, adopting the name Minnesota Pipers. However, in a surprising twist, they returned to Pittsburgh the following year, retaining their original team name. This period of transition is vividly captured in the details of a remarkable artifact from that era—a team jacket that bears the marks of this storied journey.

The Iconic Pipers Jacket

The jacket in question is a testament to the Pipers’ rich history and the dynamic nature of the ABA. On the inside right front, it features the “Rawlings” manufacturer’s size 44 tag, alongside an additional tag with wash instructions. The left breast proudly displays the official “Pipers” logo patch, while the right breast bears the “ABA Champions 1967 1968” patch, added after their inaugural season victory.

• Historical Significance: Represents the Pipers’ ABA Championship victory.
• Unique Provenance: Reflects the team’s relocation journey between Pittsburgh and Minnesota.
• Player Connection: Features the player number “22,” associated with Vacendak’s uniform in 1968-69.
• Condition and Wear: Shows excellent wear, indicative of its use during the ABA’s formative years.

On the back, “PITTSBURGH PIPERS” is emblazoned in orange on white tackle twill, a detail that was once obscured by a “MINNESOTA” plate during their brief stint in Minnesota. The left sleeve showcases the player number “22” in orange tackle twill, a nod to Vacendak’s uniform number during the 1968-69 season. Given the ABA’s financial constraints, it is likely that this jacket was worn by multiple players, adding to its historical intrigue.

A Piece of Basketball History

This exceptional jacket is more than just a piece of clothing; it is a tangible connection to a pivotal era in basketball history. It embodies the spirit of the ABA and the resilience of the Pittsburgh Pipers, a team that defied expectations and left an indelible mark on the sport. For collectors and enthusiasts, this jacket represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of basketball’s storied past.

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* This text was generated from the original auction listing.