This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/10/2003.
Ted Williams famously wanted to be known as "the greatest hitter who ever lived," and Williams' perfect swing carried him to numbers worthy of such a title. Season after season, Williams posted incredible statistics that earned him 16 All-Star selections, two MVP awards, six batting titles, and four home run and RBI titles. Williams won two Triple Crowns, and those weren't even the years in which he hit .406 (1941) and .388 (1957)! Williams remains the last man to hit .400, a magical number that may never be reached again simply because the game has yet to again be blessed with a hitter of Williams' caliber. Off the field, Williams distinguished himself as a patriot by representing his country as a fighter pilot in the World War II and Korean War. Whereas other major leaguers went overseas only to spend their time playing for baseball teams in the service, Williams dedicated himself to fighting in combat. In fact, Williams split 1953--the year of this jersey--between fighting in the Korean War and playing for the Red Sox. While his .406 and Triple Crown seasons may receive more coverage, 1953 marked another monumental achievement for Williams. Though he lacked the luxury of Spring Training that year, which for him consisted of safely crash-landing his damaged Panther jet after it was hit by enemy fire, Williams came back from Korea to hit .407 with 13 home runs and a .901 slugging percentage in 37 games. On the left front tail of this 1953 Williams Red Sox home flannel jersey is the "McAuliffe" label and below is the size tag "46." Under this is "53 46 1 in. 9," which has been done in red chain stitch. The numbers denote the year, size, one inch shorter sleeves and the player number, respectively. Across the front of the jersey is the name "Red Sox," and on the back is the player number "9." Both the name and the number are made of red on blue felt. In the neck of the jersey is an autograph rating a 9. The bottom of the shirt has been custom-cut. The jersey shows game use and, with the exception of the custom-cut bottom, appears to have no other alterations of any kind. Also included is a signed photograph showing Williams in the locker room holding up a jersey with a tail that is custom cut like this jersey and appears to be the same jersey offered here. The autographs on the jersey and photo come with a PSA/DNA letter of authenticity.