Winter Auction 2015 closing February 7
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/8/2015
Pre-war uniforms are some of the scarcest baseball collectibles around. Since only one home and road set was typically issued per season, not many survived. Those that did are rarely attributed to the game's greats but this set of pants were worn by none other than "The Little Napoleon", Hall of Fame manager John McGraw. This classic set of road pinstripes survived the decades due to their being gifted to friend and mentor Albert Kenney. Kenney gave McGraw his start in pro ball with his Olean team first as a batboy then as a player. Later Kenney recommended McGraw to the Baltimore Orioles, the club that made him famous. The crusty Giants manager stayed close to Kenney and often sent him old Giants uniforms for use his local teams. This set of 1926-28 Giants road pants was one that Kenney kept and was found with his estate when he passed away. The grey pinstriped pants match the style work by the New York Giants during the 1926 to 1928 seasons. Red and navy striping are sewn to each side of the pants. The four buttons in the fly are present though the bottom one has been broken in half. "McGraw is chain stitched in the waist band and the 1915-1928 style Spalding labeling is present. The pants show heavy use but are in great condition and display beautifully. One of the finest game-used items around from the manager who won 10 pennants and 3 World Championships through a career that revolutionized the game. MEARS has graded the Hall of Fame worthy set of game used pants AUTHENTIC.