This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/31/2005.
The greatest pitcher in Orioles history, HOFer Jim Palmer spent his entire career (1965-1984) in Baltimore. In his second year (1966), he led the Orioles with 15 wins, and became the youngest player to pitch a complete game World Series shutout (defeating Sandy Koufax and the Dodgers). Returning from the DL with a hurt arm in 1969, he compiled a 16-4 record for the year to lead the A.L. in winning percentage (.800). He went on to win 20 games eight times, tying Lefty Grove for second place all-time, behind only Walter Johnson. Palmer won the Cy Young award three times and the Gold Glove four times, and his clutch wins include four pennant-clinchers in 1966 and 1969-1971. Still a force to be reckoned with in his late career, Palmer went 16-10 in 1980 and 15-5 in 1982, again leading the league in winning percentage (.750). His last win came in relief in Game Three of the 1983 World Series, making him the first pitcher in history to win a World Series game in three different decades. Equally as impressive is his career ERA of 2.86. Retiring in 1984, he went on to a successful broadcasting career and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1990. On the left front tail of this 1966 Jim Palmer gray flannel Baltimore Orioles road jersey is the "Spalding" manufacturer's tag. Attached is a white tag with the jersey size "44." Below this is a white tag with wash instructions, attached to which is a white flag tag that reads "Set 1, 1966." Across the front of the jersey is "Baltimore" in classic script, done in orange on black felt. Beneath this on the left chest is the player number "22" done in orange on black felt. On the back is the player name "Palmer" done in orange on black felt. Beneath this is the player number "22" done in orange on black felt. Everything appears correct about this jersey, from the manufacturer to the size, sans coding in the collar. In our experts opinion, this was an extra uniform in the Baltimore clubhouse that was pressed into use. It appears that, as was standard practice, the jersey came from the manufacturer with only "Baltimore" stitched across the chest. The team appears to have put the numbers and name on, and pressed the jersey into use. We know that the numeral and letter font are correct and stitched onto the jersey, and we further know that this placement was done at the time (1966) due to the type of backing on the numerals and letters. It is more than possible that Palmer's jersey was stolen or lost, and that this jersey was pressed into use for a game or two. The jersey shows light but definitive game use, with perspiration stains evident on the back and neck, and appears to have no alterations of any kind. Palmer has signed the jersey in black marker on the right front tail, with the signature grading an 8-9. Accompanied by a letter from James Spence Authentication.