Pujols 2005 Jersey With Grey Flannel Loa

[hblakewolf]

Current offering on Ebay, "2005 Pujols home jersey with Grey Flannel LOA":

http://cgi.ebay.com/Albert-Pujols-Game-Used-2005-Jersey-GREY-FLANNEL-LOA_W0QQitemZ270455961318QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item3ef86e76e6&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Based on previous posts, it's my understanding that Pujols did not wear rounded tails in 2005, yet this jersey features this style of tail.

25561

25562

Can an experienced Pujols or Cardinals authority comment on this jersey and likewise, comment on the number style, name plate, size, etc.?

Any insight is appreciated.

Thanks.

Howard Wolf
hblakewolf@comcast.net

[Birdbats]

The lack of a straight hem is a non-starter for me on a 2005 jersey. In my eyes, if it has tails, it fails. I've seen one legit 2005 Pujols jersey hit the market -- it was sold in Leland's Busch Stadium farewell auction in the fall of 2005. Here's a link to the Pujols jersey:

http://lelands.com/bid.aspx?auctionid=511&lot=328

As you can see (second image), the Pujols shirt has a straight hem.

Otherwise, the shirt looks OK, though I'd expect to see a year flag on a 2005 jersey. If not for the 0062 laundry tag, I'd say this is a perfect retail Pujols jersey.

[suave1477]

Hello Jeff,

Just so I can understand for my own personal education and I am not trying to come at you in any bad way so I hope it doesn't come across like that. I am just trying to understand.

You said a normal characteristic of Pujols is that he has cut/straight tails.

So my first question is, is there a specific way he would do it?
Because for instance what would stop someone from buying this Jersey hemming it themselves and making it into a Characteristic Pujols Jersey?

My next question is as you mentioned that is a common thing for Pujols to do. My questions is - Did he always no matter what religously do that? Is it possible maybe one here or there may have been worn by him without being hemmed?

[Birdbats]

So my first question is, is there a specific way he would do it?
Because for instance what would stop someone from buying this Jersey hemming it themselves and making it into a Characteristic Pujols Jersey?

His jerseys come from Majestic with the straight hem. Albert has been known, though, to receive shirts with tails... and he'll cut the tails off. Nothing can stop someone from trying to duplicate the hem or the cut. I've seen a few try -- you could tell they weren't legit.


My questions is - Did he always no matter what religously do that? Is it possible maybe one here or there may have been worn by him without being hemmed?

Early in his career, 2001, you could find a jersey with tails. The HOF in Cooperstown has one. During that same year, though, I've seen legit shirts with the tails cut off. So he started doing that early. It's possible he could have tails in a jersey for something like "jersey off the back" day -- something he wears once. But, if you recall from the GUU spring 2008 auction, even that had the tails removed.

http://www.gameuseduniverse.com/auction/lot.php?id=610 (http://www.gameuseduniverse.com/vb_forum/../auction/lot.php?id=610)

Here's a good rule of thumb: If a Pujols jersey has tails and it doesn't have a letter from the Cardinals, Pujols' Foundation, LaRussa's Foundation or some other legit organization, ignore it. It's probably bogus. And if it has a straight hem or is cut off, then look at the other jersey characteristics.

[suicide_squeeze]

Maybe someone concerned could forward this wonderful information to the fine folks at Grey Flannel, so they could begin to educate their own "authenticators"?

Just a thought....