This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 6/27/2021.
Hall of Famer Phil Niekro joined the rare “300 Win Club” in the final game of the 1985 season against the Toronto Blue Jays. Niekro threw a complete game 4 hit shutout. For this game Niekro decided on a little experiment. He would pitch the game without throwing his legendary knuckleball. “I always wanted to pitch a game without throwing a knuckleball,” Niekro said. So for the first 26 outs, as The Yankees built a 5-0 advantage after five innings and led 8-0 going into the bottom of the ninth, Niekro used a variety of change-ups, curveballs and even a screwball to hold the Blue Jays scoreless. For the 27th and final out however, after a first-pitch fastball for a strike, Niekro offered up three straight knuckleballs. Jeff Burroughs took one for a ball and the next for a strike, then swung through the third one to give Niekro his historic win. Offered here is Niekro’s jersey from that game in Toronto. On the front left tail is the Wilson manufacturer’s tag size “44” with washing instructions. Inside the collar is a grey strip tag reading “Niekro 85 1” embroidered in navy blue chain stitching. Across the chest reads “NEW YORK” and on the back is the player number “35”. All numbering and lettering is done in navy blue on white tackle twill. On the left sleeve is a black armband in honor of clubhouse man Pete Sheehy which has been restored. This jersey is properly tagged, was presented to us as game-used and in our opinion shows excellent use. Accompanied by a Photo-Match.com LOA grading the jersey a perfect 10 and confirming the match.