March 24, 2022: Spring Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/24/2022
Presented is a simply stunning artifact from one of the beloved one-year wonders in MLB history, the Seattle Pilots who debuted in 1969 and were featured prominently in Jim Bouton’s iconic bestseller “Ball Four.” With that kind of lineage comes a Pilots spring training flannel attributed to Gene Brabender, who led the club in victories that glorious season with 13 that carries real cachet with advanced collectors. The flannel has the seven-button front with “Pilots” on the front and Brabender’s No. 32 on the back zig-zag affixed with straight-stitch reinforcements. It boasts Wilson Size 44 tail label and faint outline remnants of perhaps the 100th Anniversary patch. Its use is limited to spring training and minor-league complex use. It remains an important piece from the garrulous 6-ft.-6-inch Brabender, who played for three teams in his five-year major league career.
1969 Gene Brabender Seattle Pilots Game-Worn Preseason Flannel
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