A circa-1933 game-used home jersey worn by the New York Yankees’ immortal Iron Horse, Lou Gehrig, tops an all-star lineup of sports apparel, equipment and memorabilia in Grey Flannel’s Holiday Auction, with absentee and Internet bids accepted from Nov. 16 through Dec. 9. While a fatal illness forced Lou Gehrig to retire in 1939 at the age of 36, his monumental achievements as a hitter and first baseman live on in the history books, with a career record of 23 grand slams that is still unchallenged. The first athlete ever to appear on a box of Wheaties, Gehrig is in a league of his own, and so is his game-worn apparel.
His pinstriped Yankees home jersey offered by Grey Flannel is 100 percent original, with Gehrig’s long-retired number “4” on the back and the name “L. Gehrig” chain-stitched in red on the inside collar. Once part of the renowned Barry Halper Collection, the iconic jersey is entered in Grey Flannel’s auction with a $225,000 reserve. As is the case with all game-used jerseys auctioned by Grey Flannel, the Gehrig jersey is accompanied by a Grey Flannel Auctions Letter of Authenticity (LOA).
Another early game-used Yankees jersey dates to 1927-1930 and was worn by catcher Benny Bengough. The front of the jersey, which carries a $5,000 reserve, is emblazoned with the team name “YANKEES” in blue felt, while the name “Bengough” is embroidered in cursive inside the collar. The player number “42” appears in an identical style of stitching on the jersey’s front tail.
Jerseys worn by stars from the current world champion New York Yankees lineup are poised for the auction spotlight, as well. A 2009 pinstriped game-used home jersey from team captain Derek Jeter, who this year broke Lou Gehrig’s all-time record for hits by a New York Yankees player, features a Yankee Stadium Inaugural Season patch on the left sleeve and his player number “2” on the back. This coveted jersey, with photo match, commands a reserve of $10,000. A game-used road jersey from Jeter’s teammate, slugger Alex Rodriguez, is ornamented with both a “Yankee Stadium Final Season” and “2008 All-Star Game” patch, plus a black armband in memory of Yankees outfielder and broadcaster Bobby Murcer. A-Rod’s jersey has a $7,500 reserve. Both the Jeter and Rodriguez jerseys are accompanied by Yankees-Steiner LOAs.
Other highlighted items include:
Lou Gehrig Jersey:
All original circa-1933 Lou Gehrig New York Yankees game-used flannel home jersey. Reserve: $225,000.
Derek Jeter Jersey:
Derek Jeter New York Yankees game-used home jersey with Inaugural Season patch from 2009, the year in which he broke the all-time record for hits by a Yankees player. Reserve: $10,000.
Red Sox Champ Ring:
2004 Boston Red Sox World Championship ring adorned with diamonds and rubies, as well as enameled “red socks” and other symbols of Boston and its hometown team. Retains original box. Reserve: $10,000.
Nate Thurmond Rolls-Royce:
NBA superstar Nate Thurmond’s 1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III outfitted with many luxury appointments, including a custom sunroof. Offered at auction with the bonus of dinner with Nate Thurmond. Reserve: $30,000.
Gibson Cardinals Jersey:
1969 Bob Gibson St. Louis Cardinals game-used and autographed flannel road uniform. Reserve: $10,000.
Willie Mays Jersey:
1971 Willie Mays San Francisco Giants game-used and autographed flannel road uniform. Reserve: $10,000.
DeBusschere Knicks Jersey:
Circa-1969 Dave DeBusschere New York Knicks game-used and autographed home jersey. Reserve: $10,000.
Marilyn Bathing Suit:
Circa-1960 bathing suit personally owned and worn by Marilyn Monroe, with written provenance from Monroe’s assistant. Reserve: $2,500.
