May 25th, 2016 Summer Games Catalog Auction (#46)

Lot #629:

1983/84 Ron Darling Rookie Era New York Mets Game-Used Spring Training Jersey

On the inside of the jersey below the rear neckline is a “Rawlings” size “44” manufacturer’s tag with washing instructions. Attached below is a flag tag that reads, “2 INCH EXTRA LENGTH”. On the inside of the rear tail, the number “130” is written in black pen. Across the chest reads, “Mets” and the player number “44” appears on both the front and on the back. All numbering and lettering are done in the same grey on orange tackle twill sewn directly onto the blue mesh jersey. We are dating this shirt to the 1983-84 time period due to the combination of the stand alone manufacturer’s tag not having an identifying year flag tag and/or set tag. Jerseys issued in 1983 primarily feature additional tagging. 1985-86 shirts predominantly featured an updated numeric font set with a serifed "4". The jersey has to be dated prior to 1987, as the body style was updated with the inclusion of shoulder stripes. Darling pitched only five games in 1983 and the accompanying photo of a 1984 Fleer card shows Darling wearing the offered style. This jersey is properly tagged, was presented to us as game-used and in our opinion shows excellent use.

Please note that a correction and/or update has been made to this lot and the printed catalog differs from what is online.