This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 6/6/2013.
Melvin Thomas Ott was a six-time NL home run leader, in 1932, 1934, 1936–38, and 1942. From 1928-1945, he led the New York Giants in home runs. This 18-season consecutive dominance is a record; no other player has ever led his team in more consecutive years in a single Triple Crown category. He was both the youngest player to hit 100 home runs and the first National Leaguer to hit 500 home runs. He passed Rogers Hornsby to become the all-time NL home run leader in 1937 and held that title for nearly three decades. Ott was the first NL player to post eight consecutive 100-RBI seasons. During the prime of Ott's career, American League batters averaged 21% more home runs--peaking at 41% more home runs--than their National League counterparts. Babe Ruth and Jimmie Foxx, contemporaries, and both American League players, were the only batters to surpass Ott's record during this time. He was a 12 time All-Star, a World Champion and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1951. He was the player/manager of the Giants from 1942-1947. During the 1947 season, Ott played in four games and had four at bats, all of which were at home. Inside the rear collar is the “MacGregor Goldsmith Cincinnati” label with size “42”. Below is a white felt strip tag with player/manager name and number, “Ott 4” embroidered in red chain stitch. Below is manager’s initials “MO” written in black marker. Inside the left front tail is a second white felt strip tag with what appears to be “1 47” embroidered in red chain stitch indicating set and year, respectively. The city name “NEW YORK” has been removed from the front. Player/manager number “4” appears on back in black on orange felt. The zipper front is not in working order. The jersey is properly tagged, was presented to us as manager’s worn, and in our opinion, shows excellent wear. Other than what is mentioned, there appear to be no further alterations of any kind. An Ott gamer is without question a very tough addition the 500 home run club. Accompanied by additional documentation detailing the consignor of this jersey’s father as the General Manager of the Burlington City Giants of the Philadelphia Suburban League, a minor league affiliate of the NY Giants.
The newspaper clipping at left is of the Burlington City Giants 1947 Schedule. At the time the club was a minor league affiliate of the MLB's New York Giants. Otto Muentz (pictured top right) is listed as the team's General Manager; this jersey is accompanied by a hand-signed letter from the Muentz family stating how the jersey was handed down from the NY Giants and that it was personally taken out of circulation by the GM for his personal collection.