This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 1/24/2021.
Ted Kluszewski was a hitter ahead of his time; like several present-day sluggers, Klu bulked up to a point at which his team, the Cincinnati Reds, was eventually forced to produce sleeveless jerseys to accommodate his bulging biceps. He hit .300 seven times during his career and averaged 43 home runs and 116 RBI per year from 1953-56. Kluszewski wore this exceedingly rare satin jersey in 1948. Satin jerseys were worn by a handful of teams specifically made for night games that were played under the lights. This is the only known Reds satin jersey we have seen publicly auctioned and the first time that a Kluszewski satin jersey has hit the market. In the rear collar is the MacGregor manufacturer’s tag size “46”. Adjacent below is a strip tag reading “Kluszewski 18” embroidered in red chain stitching. On the inside front left tail is an additional strip tag reading “T48” also embroidered in red chain stitch. Across the chest reads “CINCINNATI” and on back is the player number “18” in red tackle twill. The jersey features Kluszewski’s custom shortened sleeves to show off his biceps. One button is missing and some condition issues are present including minor staining and additional wear might be attributed to secondary use. Sourced directly from the minor leaguer who was issued this jersey for a tryout. This is the first Reds satin jersey we have seen in over 30 years. This jersey is properly tagged, was presented to us as game-used and in our opinion shows excellent use.