November 18, 2021: Fall Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/18/2021
Offered is a truly significant artifact linked to one of the most colorful players of the era, along with a secondary link to an historically important trade that helped to alter the course of baseball history. This incredible gamer was originally worn by famed first sacker Vic Power, a hard-hitting and flashy fielding six-time All-Star who was perhaps the first great Puerto Rican star. The spectacular cream-colored flannel has the seven-button front, with midnight navy piping on the collar, button path and sleeve ends. “Athletics” is underscored in script font with red-on-midnight navy felt, the same format for his famed No. 7 on the back. The striking Athletics chenille stitched patch is intact and zig-zag affixed. Wilson Size 44 labeling with swatch tag “Set 2 No. 7 58” in chain stitching are present. The shirt is all original and in solid condition. The flamboyant Power wore the shirt initially in 1958 before being traded to the Cleveland Indians just past midseason in a historic swap that sent a young Roger Maris (among a number of players in both directions) to Kansas City for a brief stint before ultimately winding up in The Big Apple in 1960 and an appointment with destiny one year later. Preston Ward, also part of that infamous trade, wore the flannel for the balance of the 1958 campaign. Power, who perhaps missed out on his own opportunity in the Bronx for the shabbiest of reasons, turned in a solid career over 11 seasons with five different clubs, winning an amazing seven consecutive Gold Gloves and six All-Star appearances, with four of those in 1959-60 when two contests were played each year. In all, Power ended with a sterling .284 lifetime log with 126 home runs.
1958 Vic Power Kansas City Athletics Game-Worn Home Flannel
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